Ciscos management has always assumed full accountability for maintaining compliance with our established financial accounting policies and for reporting our
results with objectivity and the highest degree of integrity. It is critical for investors and other users of the Consolidated Financial Statements to have confidence that the financial information that we provide is timely, complete, relevant, and
accurate. Management is responsible for the fair presentation of Ciscos Consolidated Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and has full responsibility for
their integrity and accuracy.

Management, with oversight by Ciscos Board of Directors, has established and maintains a strong
ethical climate so that our affairs are conducted to the highest standards of personal and corporate conduct. Management also has established an effective system of internal controls. Ciscos policies and practices reflect corporate governance
initiatives that are compliant with the listing requirements of NASDAQ and the corporate governance requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

We are committed to enhancing shareholder value and fully understand and embrace our fiduciary oversight responsibilities. We are dedicated to
ensuring that our high standards of financial accounting and reporting, as well as our underlying system of internal controls, are maintained. Our culture demands integrity and we have the highest confidence in our processes, our internal controls
and our people, who are objective in their responsibilities and who operate under the highest level of ethical standards.

Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for Cisco. Internal control over financial reporting
is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Internal control
over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;
(ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being
made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Companys
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over
financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of
compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management (with the participation of the principal executive officer and
principal financial officer) conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of Ciscos internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that Ciscos internal control over financial reporting was effective as of July 31, 2010. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public
accounting firm, has audited the effectiveness of Ciscos internal control over financial reporting and has issued a report on Ciscos internal control over financial reporting, which is included in their report on the following page.

John T. Chambers

Frank A. Calderoni

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

September 20, 2010

September 20, 2010

2010 Annual Report 5

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Cisco Systems, Inc.:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, of cash flows and of equity
appearing on pages 39 to 42 present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Cisco Systems, Inc. and its subsidiaries at July 31, 2010 and July 25, 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended July 31, 2010 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control
over financial reporting as of July 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Companys
management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying
Managements Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Companys internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We
conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts
and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting
included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.
Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

As discussed in Notes 2 and 14 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted new accounting rules for revenue recognition and
business combinations in 2010, other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities in 2009, and for uncertain tax positions in 2008.

A
companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. A companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect
the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of
unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any
evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the
Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes which appear on pages 39 to 76 of this Annual Report:

Years Ended

July 31, 2010

July 25, 2009

July 26, 2008

July 28, 2007

July 29, 2006

Net sales

$

40,040

$

36,117

$

39,540

$

34,922

$

28,484

Net income

$

7,767

$

6,134

$

8,052

$

7,333

$

5,580

Net income per sharebasic

$

1.36

$

1.05

$

1.35

$

1.21

$

0.91

Net income per sharediluted

$

1.33

$

1.05

$

1.31

$

1.17

$

0.89

Shares used in per-share calculationbasic

5,732

5,828

5,986

6,055

6,158

Shares used in per-share calculationdiluted

5,848

5,857

6,163

6,265

6,272

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

10,173

$

9,897

$

12,089

$

10,104

$

7,899

July 31, 2010

July 25, 2009

July 26, 2008

July 28, 2007

July 29, 2006

Cash and cash equivalents and investments

$

39,861

$

35,001

$

26,235

$

22,266

$

17,814

Total assets

$

81,130

$

68,128

$

58,734

$

53,340

$

43,315

Debt

$

15,284

$

10,295

$

6,893

$

6,408

$

6,332

Deferred revenue

$

11,083

$

9,393

$

8,860

$

7,037

$

5,649

2010 Annual Report 7

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

Forward-Looking Statements

The Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and our
future results that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 (the Securities Act) and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act). All statements other than statements of historical
facts are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industries in which we operate and the beliefs and assumptions of our
management. Words such as expects, anticipates, targets, goals, projects, intends, plans, believes, seeks, estimates,
continues, endeavors, strives, may, variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to projections of
our future financial performance, our anticipated growth and trends in our businesses, and other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only
predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including those identified below, as well as on the inside back cover of this Annual Report to Shareholders and under Part I, Item 1A.
Risk Factors, and elsewhere in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any
forward-looking statements for any reason.

Overview

We design, manufacture, and sell Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking and other products related to the communications and information technology (IT) industry
and provide services associated with these products and their use. Our products and services are designed to address a wide range of customers needs, including improving productivity, reducing costs, and gaining a competitive advantage. In
addition, our products and services are designed to help customers build their own network infrastructures that support tools and applications that allow them to communicate with key stakeholders, including customers, prospects, business partners,
suppliers, and employees. We focus on delivering networking products and solutions that are designed to simplify and secure customers network infrastructures. We believe that integrating multiple network services into our products helps our
customers reduce their total cost of network ownership. Our product offerings fall into the following categories: our core technologies, routing and switching; advanced technologies; and other products. In addition to our product offerings, we
provide a broad range of service offerings, including technical support services and advanced services. Our customer base spans virtually all types of public and private agencies and businesses, comprising: enterprise businesses (including public
sector entities), service providers, commercial customers, and consumers.

A summary of our results is as follows (in millions, except
percentages and per-share amounts):

Fiscal 2010

Fiscal 2009

Variance

Net sales

$

40,040

$

36,117

10.9%

Gross margin percentage

64.0%

63.9%

0.1%

Net income

$

7,767

$

6,134

26.6%

Earnings per sharediluted

$

1.33

$

1.05

26.7%

For fiscal 2010 our results reflected a return to a more
balanced growth across each of our geographic theaters, product categories and customer markets. Net sales totaled approximately $40.0 billion for fiscal 2010, an increase of approximately 11% compared with fiscal 2009. Net income and net income per
diluted share each increased by approximately 27% in fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 primarily as a result of the increase in sales. The increase in net income for fiscal 2010 also benefited from a small increase in the gross margin
percentage, lower operating expenses as a percentage of revenue and a lower effective tax rate. Additionally, our operating results for fiscal 2010 contain an extra week compared with fiscal 2009.

Strategy and Focus Areas

Our strategy centers on the
network as the platform. Consistent with our strategy both during the fiscal 2009 economic downturn and emerging from the downturn during fiscal 2010, we continue to seek to expand our share of our customers information technology spending. We
will endeavor to achieve this objective by focusing on our core networking capabilities while continuing to expand into product markets in which the role of the network as the platform is increasing and which are similar, related, or adjacent to
markets in which we currently are active, which product markets we refer to as market adjacencies. We have continued our focus on our core networking capabilities and have expanded our movement into market adjacencies, primarily through the
realignment of resources, while simultaneously reducing our operating expenses as a percentage of revenue during fiscal 2010.

We refer
to the evolutionary process by which adjacencies arise as market transitions. Market transitions on which we are focusing primary attention include those related to the increased role of virtualization/the cloud, video, collaboration, and networked
Web 2.0 technologies. With regard to virtualization/the cloud, one example of a market in which a significant market transition is

8 Cisco Systems, Inc.

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

underway is the enterprise data center market. We believe the market is at an inflection point, as awareness grows that intelligent networks are becoming the platform for productivity improvement
and global competitiveness. We further believe that disruption in the enterprise data center market is accelerating, due to changing technology trends such as the increasing adoption of virtualization, the rise in scalable processing, and the advent
of cloud computing and cloud-based IT resource deployments and business models. These key terms are defined as follows:

Virtualization: refers to the process of aggregating the current siloed data center resources into unified, shared resource pools
that can be dynamically delivered to applications on demand thus enabling the ability to move content and applications between devices and the network.

The Cloud: refers to an information technology hosting and delivery system in which resources, such as servers or software
applications, are no longer tethered to a users physical infrastructure but which instead are delivered to and consumed by the user on demand as an Internet-based service, whether singularly or with multiple other users
simultaneously.

This virtualization and cloud-driven market transition in the enterprise data center market is being brought about through the
convergence of networking, computing, storage, and software technologies. We are seeking to take advantage of this market transition through, among other things, our Cisco Unified Computing System platform and Cisco Nexus product families, which are
designed to integrate the previously siloed technologies in the enterprise data center with a unified architecture. We are also seeking to capitalize on this market transition through the development of cloud-based product and service offerings,
through which we intend to enable customers to develop and deploy their own cloud-related IT solutions, including software-as-a-service (SaaS), and other-as-a-service (XaaS) solutions.

The competitive landscape in the enterprise data center market is changing, and we expect there will be a new class of very large, well-financed,
and aggressive competitors, each bringing its own new class of products to address this new market. However, with respect to this market, we believe the network will be the intersection of innovation through an open ecosystem and standards. We
expect to see acquisitions, further industry consolidation, and new alliances among companies as they seek to serve the enterprise data center market. As we enter this next market phase, we expect that we will strengthen certain strategic
alliances, compete more with certain strategic alliances and partners, and perhaps also encounter new competitors in our attempt to deliver the best solutions for our customers.

Other market transitions on which we are focusing primary attention include those related to the increased role of video, collaboration, and
networked Web 2.0 technologies. The key market transitions relative to the convergence of video, collaboration, and networked Web 2.0 technologies, which we believe will drive productivity and growth in network loads, appear to be evolving even more
quickly and more significantly than we had previously anticipated. Cisco TelePresence systems are one example of product offerings that have incorporated video, collaboration, and networked Web 2.0 technologies, as customers evolve their
communications and business models. We are focused on simplifying and expanding the creation, distribution, and use of end-to-end video solutions for businesses and consumers, and our fiscal 2010 acquisition of Tandberg ASA (Tandberg) is
an example of our increased emphasis on the video market segment.

We believe that the architectural approach that has served us well in
addressing the market adjacencies in the communications and information technology industry will be adaptable to other markets. Examples of market adjacencies where we aim to apply this approach are mobility, the consumer, and electrical services
infrastructure. With regard to mobility, the growth of IP traffic on handheld devices is driving the need for more robust architectures, equipment and services in order to accommodate not only an increasing number of worldwide mobile device users,
but also increased user demand for broadband-quality business network and consumer web applications to be seamlessly delivered on such devices. Our fiscal 2010 acquisition of Starent Networks, Corp. (Starent) reflects our recognition of
the significance of this market adjacency and our intent to offer solutions that help expand IP network load capabilities for mobile devices. For the consumer market, through collaboration with technology partners, retailers, service providers, and
content publishers, we are striving to create compelling consumer experiences and make the network the platform for a variety of services in the home, as broadband development moves from a device-centric phase to a network-centric model. In the
electrical services infrastructure market, we are developing an architecture for managing energy in a highly secure fashion on electrical grids at various steps from energy generation to consumption in homes and buildings.

We are currently undergoing product transitions within several of our product families, and we believe that many of these product transitions are
gaining momentum based on the strong year-over-year product revenue growth across these product families. We believe that our strategy and our ability to innovate and execute may enable us to improve our relative competitive position in uncertain or
difficult business conditions and may continue to provide us with long-term growth opportunities.

2010 Annual Report 9

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

Revenue

We
experienced a return to growth in net sales in fiscal 2010 as net sales increased by approximately 11% compared with fiscal 2009. The increase was experienced across all of our geographic theaters with net sales growth of 12% in the United States
and Canada, 17% in Asia Pacific, 11% in Japan, 9% in Emerging Markets, and 5% in our European Markets theater. From a customer market perspective, in fiscal 2010, we saw an improved demand environment for capital expenditures across all of our
customer markets. While we cannot quantify with precision the impact to revenue of the extra week in fiscal 2010, we believe the extra week added approximately 1% to our year-over-year revenue growth for fiscal 2010.

In fiscal 2010, net product sales increased 11% on a year-over-year basis, with increases across almost all of our categories of similar products.
Sales of router products increased in fiscal 2010 due to increased sales of our high-end routers offset partially by lower sales within our mid-range and low-end router product categories. In fiscal 2010, the increase in sales of switching products
was driven by higher sales of both our modular and fixed-configuration switches. The increase in sales of advanced technology products was a result of growth in unified communications, security, wireless, and storage, partially offset by a decline
in sales of video systems, networked home and application networking services. The year-over-year revenue increase in the other product revenue category benefited from the inclusion of revenue from our acquisition of Pure Digital Technologies, Inc.
(Pure Digital), which we acquired in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, and Tandberg, which we acquired in the third quarter of fiscal 2010. Additionally, the other product revenue category experienced increases from sales of cable
products and Cisco Unified Computing System. Net service revenue increased by 9% compared with fiscal 2009, reflecting increased service revenue across all of our geographic theaters. From a service offering perspective, both technical support
services and advanced services experienced revenue increases from the prior fiscal year.

We believe the increase in revenue for fiscal
2010 reflected the improved global economic environment in fiscal 2010, compared with what we experienced in fiscal 2009. However, as of the end of fiscal 2010 and entering fiscal 2011, we believe an accurate characterization of the global economic
environment is that it is uncertain.

Gross Margin

In fiscal 2010, our gross margin percentage increased by 0.1 percentage points compared with fiscal 2009, driven by a slightly higher product gross margin
percentage coupled with an unchanged service gross margin percentage. The higher product gross margin percentage was primarily due to lower overall manufacturing costs, higher shipment volume, and favorable product mix. Partially offsetting the
product gross margin increase were higher sales discounts and rebates, and lower product pricing. The service gross margin percentage remained unchanged from period to period with the increase in gross margin from technical support services being
offset by a decline in gross margin for advanced services. Our product and service gross margins may be impacted by uncertain economic conditions as well as our movement into market adjacencies and could decline if any of the factors that impact our
gross margins are adversely affected in future periods.

Operating Expenses

During fiscal 2010, operating expenses increased in absolute dollars but decreased as a percentage of revenue, compared with fiscal 2009. The increase in absolute
dollars was attributable to higher headcount-related expenses, including variable compensation expenses, higher discretionary expenses, and higher share-based compensation expense. The extra week in fiscal 2010 also contributed approximately $150
million to the year-over-year increase in total operating expenses during fiscal 2010.

Other Key Financial Measures

The following is a summary of our other key financial measures for fiscal 2010:



We generated cash flows from operations of $10.2 billion in fiscal 2010, compared with $9.9 billion in fiscal 2009. Our cash and cash equivalents, together with
our investments, were $39.9 billion at the end of fiscal 2010, compared with $35.0 billion at the end of fiscal 2009.



Our total deferred revenue at the end of 2010 was $11.1 billion, compared with $9.4 billion at the end of fiscal 2009.



We repurchased approximately 325 million shares of our common stock at an average price of $24.02 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $7.8 billion
during fiscal 2010. As of the end of fiscal 2010, the remaining authorized repurchase amount under the stock repurchase program was $7.0 billion with no termination date.



Days sales outstanding in accounts receivable (DSO) at the end of fiscal 2010 was 41 days, compared with 34 days at the end of fiscal 2009.



Our inventory balance was $1.3 billion at the end of fiscal 2010, compared with $1.1 billion at the end of fiscal 2009. Annualized inventory turns were 12.6 in
the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, compared with 11.7 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. Our purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers were $4.3 billion at the end of fiscal 2010, compared with $2.0 billion at the end of
fiscal 2009.

10 Cisco Systems, Inc.

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations



During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, we completed an offering of senior unsecured notes in an aggregate principal amount of $5.0 billion.



Our product backlog at the end of fiscal 2010 was $4.1 billion or 10% of fiscal 2010 net sales, compared with $3.9 billion at the end of fiscal 2009 or 11% of
fiscal 2009 net sales.

We believe that in any rapidly shifting supply and demand environment such as the one we experienced in fiscal
2010, shifts in lead times, inventory levels, purchase commitments, and manufacturing outputs will occur. During fiscal 2010, we experienced longer than normal lead times on several of our products and we continue to see challenges at some of our
component suppliers. This was attributable in part to increasing demand driven by the improvement in our overall markets. In addition, and similar to what is happening throughout the industry, the longer than normal lead times also stemmed from
supplier constraints based upon their labor and other actions taken during the global economic downturn. While we may continue to experience longer than normal lead times, our lead times improved on the majority of our products in the second half of
fiscal 2010, and at the end of fiscal 2010, product lead times to customers were within a normal range for the majority of our products. We have increased our efforts in procuring components in order to meet customer expectations, which have
contributed to an increase in purchase commitments. If, however, lead times for key components lengthen further, our operating results for a particular future period could be adversely affected if we further increase our purchase commitments, which
could lead to excess and obsolete inventory charges.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make
judgments, assumptions, and estimates that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements describes the significant accounting policies and methods used in
the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. The accounting policies described below are significantly affected by critical accounting estimates. Such accounting policies require significant judgments, assumptions, and estimates used in
the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements, and actual results could differ materially from the amounts reported based on these policies.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when all of the
following criteria have been met:



Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists. Contracts, Internet commerce agreements, and customer purchase orders are generally used to determine the
existence of an arrangement.



Delivery has occurred. Shipping documents and customer acceptance, when applicable, are used to verify delivery.



The fee is fixed or determinable. We assess whether the fee is fixed or determinable based on the payment terms associated with the transaction and
whether the sales price is subject to refund or adjustment.



Collectibility is reasonably assured. We assess collectibility based primarily on the creditworthiness of the customer as determined by credit checks and
analysis, as well as the customers payment history.

In instances where final acceptance of the product, system, or solution is
specified by the customer, revenue is deferred until all acceptance criteria have been met. When a sale involves multiple deliverables, such as sales of products that include services, the entire fee from the arrangement is allocated to each
respective element based on its relative selling price and recognized when revenue recognition criteria for each element are met.

In
October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) amended the accounting standards for revenue recognition to remove from the scope of industry-specific software revenue recognition guidance, tangible products containing software
components and nonsoftware components that function together to deliver the products essential functionality. In October 2009, the FASB also amended the accounting standards for multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements to:

(i)

provide updated guidance on whether multiple deliverables exist, how the deliverables in an arrangement should be separated, and how the consideration should be allocated;

(ii)

require an entity to allocate revenue in an arrangement using estimated selling prices (ESP) of deliverables if a vendor does not have vendor-specific objective evidence of
selling price (VSOE) or third-party evidence of selling price (TPE); and

(iii)

eliminate the use of the residual method and require an entity to allocate revenue using the relative selling price method.

2010 Annual Report 11

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

We elected to early adopt this accounting guidance at the beginning of our first quarter of fiscal 2010 on a
prospective basis for applicable transactions originating or materially modified after July 25, 2009.

The amount of product and
service revenue recognized in a given period is affected by our judgment as to whether an arrangement includes multiple deliverables and, if so, our determinations surrounding whether VSOE exists. In the certain limited circumstances when VSOE does
not exist, we then apply judgment with respect to whether we can obtain TPE. Generally, we are not able to determine TPE because our go-to-market strategy typically differs from that of our peers. In the limited number of circumstances in which we
are unable to establish selling price using VSOE or TPE, we will use ESP in our allocation of arrangement consideration. We determine VSOE based on our normal pricing and discounting practices for the specific product or service when sold
separately. In determining VSOE, we require that a substantial majority of the selling prices for a product or service fall within a reasonably narrow pricing range, generally evidenced by approximately 80% of such historical standalone transactions
falling within plus or minus 15% of the median rates. In determining ESP, we apply significant judgment as we weigh a variety of factors, based on the facts and circumstances of the arrangement. We typically arrive at an ESP for a product or service
that is not sold separately by considering company-specific factors such as geographies, competitive landscape, internal costs, gross margin objectives, pricing practices used to establish bundled pricing, and existing portfolio pricing and
discounting. There were no material impacts during fiscal 2010 nor do we currently expect a material impact in future periods from changes in VSOE, TPE, or ESP.

In terms of the timing and pattern of revenue recognition, the new accounting guidance for revenue recognition is not expected to have a significant
effect on net sales in subsequent periods after the initial adoption when applied to multiple-element arrangements based on current go-to-market strategies due to the existence of VSOE across most of our product and service offerings. However, we
expect that this new accounting guidance will facilitate our efforts to optimize our offerings due to better alignment between the economics of an arrangement and the accounting. This may lead to us engaging in new go-to-market practices in the
future. In particular, we expect that the new accounting standards will enable us to better integrate products and services without VSOE into existing offerings and solutions. As these go-to-market strategies evolve, we may modify our pricing
practices in the future, which could result in changes in selling prices, including both VSOE and ESP. As a result, our future revenue recognition for multiple-element arrangements could differ materially from the results in the current period. We
are currently unable to determine the impact that the newly adopted accounting guidance could have on our revenue as these go-to-market strategies evolve.

Revenue deferrals relate to the timing of revenue recognition for specific transactions based on financing arrangements, service, support, and other
factors. Financing arrangements may include sales-type, direct-financing, and operating leases, loans, and guarantees of third-party financing. Our deferred revenue for products was $3.7 billion and $2.9 billion as of July 31, 2010 and
July 25, 2009, respectively. Technical support services revenue is deferred and recognized ratably over the period during which the services are to be performed, which typically is from one to three years. Advanced services revenue is
recognized upon delivery or completion of performance. Our deferred revenue for services was $7.4 billion and $6.5 billion as of July 31, 2010 and July 25, 2009, respectively.

We make sales to distributors and retail partners and generally recognize revenue based on a sell-through method using information provided by them.
Our distributors and retail partners participate in various cooperative marketing and other programs, and we maintain estimated accruals and allowances for these programs. If actual credits received by our distributors and retail partners under
these programs were to deviate significantly from our estimates, which are based on historical experience, our revenue could be adversely affected.

Allowances for Receivables and Sales Returns

The allowances
for receivables were as follows (in millions, except percentages):

July 31, 2010

July 25, 2009

Allowance for doubtful accounts

$

235

$

216

Percentage of gross accounts receivable

4.6%

6.4%

Allowance for lease receivables

$

207

$

213

Percentage of gross lease receivables

8.6%

10.7%

Allowance for loan receivables

$

73

$

88

Percentage of gross loan receivables

5.8%

10.2%

The
allowances are based on our assessment of the collectibility of customer accounts. We regularly review the adequacy of these allowances by considering factors such as historical experience, credit quality, age of the receivable balances, and
economic conditions that may affect a customers ability to pay. In addition, we perform credit reviews and statistical portfolio analysis to assess the credit quality of our receivables. We also consider the concentration of receivables
outstanding with a particular customer in assessing the adequacy of our allowances. Our allowance percentages declined in fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal

12 Cisco Systems, Inc.

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

2009 due to improved portfolio management as we moved out of the challenging economic environment in fiscal 2009. Our allowance percentages for accounts receivable and lease receivables represent
a return to approximately the levels we experienced prior to fiscal 2009, consistent with changes we have observed in the macroeconomic environment.

If a major customers creditworthiness deteriorates, or if actual defaults are higher than our historical experience, or if other circumstances
arise, our estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to us could be overstated, and additional allowances could be required, which could have an adverse impact on our revenue.

A reserve for future sales returns is established based on historical trends in product return rates. The reserve for future sales returns as of
July 31, 2010 and July 25, 2009 was $90 million and $75 million, respectively, and was recorded as a reduction of our accounts receivable. If the actual future returns were to deviate from the historical data on which the reserve had been
established, our revenue could be adversely affected.

Inventory Valuation and Liability for Purchase Commitments with Contract Manufacturers and
Suppliers

Our inventory balance was $1.3 billion and $1.1 billion as of July 31, 2010 and July 25, 2009, respectively. Inventory is
written down based on excess and obsolete inventories determined primarily by future demand forecasts. Inventory write-downs are measured as the difference between the cost of the inventory and market, based upon assumptions about future demand, and
are charged to the provision for inventory, which is a component of our cost of sales. At the point of the loss recognition, a new, lower cost basis for that inventory is established, and subsequent changes in facts and circumstances do not result
in the restoration or increase in that newly established cost basis.

We record a liability for firm, noncancelable, and unconditional
purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers for quantities in excess of our future demand forecasts consistent with the valuation of our excess and obsolete inventory. As of July 31, 2010, the liability for these purchase
commitments was $135 million, compared with $175 million as of July 25, 2009, and was included in other current liabilities.

Our
provision for inventory was $94 million, $93 million, and $102 million for fiscal 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. The provision for the liability related to purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers was $8 million, $87
million, and $97 million in fiscal 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. The decrease in the provision for the liability related to purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers during fiscal 2010 was primarily attributable to the
increase in demand for our products during fiscal 2010. If there were to be a sudden and significant decrease in demand for our products, or if there were a higher incidence of inventory obsolescence because of rapidly changing technology and
customer requirements, we could be required to increase our inventory write-downs and our liability for purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers and gross margin could be adversely affected. Inventory and supply chain
management remain areas of focus as we balance the need to maintain supply chain flexibility to help ensure competitive lead times with the risk of incurring inventory obsolescence charges.

Warranty Costs

The liability for product warranties,
included in other current liabilities, was $360 million as of July 31, 2010, compared with $321 million as of July 25, 2009. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Our products are generally covered by a warranty for periods
ranging from 90 days to five years, and for some products we provide a limited lifetime warranty. We accrue for warranty costs as part of our cost of sales based on associated material costs, technical support labor costs, and associated overhead.
Material cost is estimated based primarily upon historical trends in the volume of product returns within the warranty period and the cost to repair or replace the equipment. Technical support labor cost is estimated based primarily upon historical
trends in the rate of customer cases and the cost to support the customer cases within the warranty period. Overhead cost is applied based on estimated time to support warranty activities.

The provision for product warranties issued during fiscal 2010, 2009, and 2008 was $469 million, $374 million, and $511 million, respectively. The
increase in the provision for product warranties issued during fiscal 2010 was driven primarily by higher product revenue. If we experience an increase in warranty claims compared with our historical experience, or if the cost of servicing warranty
claims is greater than expected, our gross margin could be adversely affected.

2010 Annual Report 13

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

The
determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. For employee stock
options and employee stock purchase rights, these variables include, but are not limited to, the expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, risk-free interest rate and expected dividends as of the grant date. For employee stock
options, we used the implied volatility for two-year traded options on our stock as the expected volatility assumption required in the lattice-binomial model. For employee stock purchase rights, we used the implied volatility for traded options
(with lives corresponding to the expected life of the employee stock purchase rights) on our stock. The selection of the implied volatility approach was based upon the availability of actively traded options on our stock and our assessment that
implied volatility is more representative of future stock price trends than historical volatility. The valuation of employee stock options is also impacted by kurtosis, and skewness, which are technical measures of the distribution of stock price
returns, and the actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Because share-based compensation expense is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for forfeitures. If factors change and
we employ different assumptions in the application of our option-pricing model in future periods or if we experience different forfeiture rates, the compensation expense that is derived may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the
current year.

Fair Value Measurements of Investments

Our fixed income and publicly traded equity securities, collectively, are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at a fair value of $35.3 billion as of
July 31, 2010, compared with $29.3 billion as of July 25, 2009. Our fixed income investment portfolio, as of July 31, 2010, consisted primarily of the highest quality investment grade securities. See Note 7 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.

As described more fully in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the valuation hierarchy is based on
the level of independent, objective evidence available regarding the value of the investments. It encompasses three classes of investments: Level 1 consists of securities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical securities;
Level 2 consists of securities for which observable inputs other than Level 1 inputs are used, such as prices for similar securities in active markets or for identical securities in less active markets and model-derived valuations for which the
variables are derived from, or corroborated by, observable market data; and Level 3 consists of securities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value.

Our Level 2 securities are valued using quoted market prices for similar instruments, nonbinding market prices that are corroborated by observable
market data, or discounted cash flow techniques in limited circumstances. We use inputs such as actual trade data, benchmark yields, broker/dealer quotes, and other similar data, which are obtained from independent pricing vendors, quoted market
prices, or other sources to determine the ultimate fair value of our assets and liabilities. We use such pricing data as the primary input, to which we have not made any material adjustments during fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 to make our assessments
and determinations as to the ultimate valuation of our investment portfolio. We are ultimately responsible for the financial statements and underlying estimates.

The inputs and fair value are reviewed for reasonableness, may be further validated by comparison to publicly available information and could be
adjusted based on market indices or other information that management deems material to their estimate of fair value. In the current market environment, the assessment of fair value can be difficult and subjective. However, given the relative
reliability of the inputs we use to value our investment portfolio, and because substantially all of our valuation inputs are obtained using quoted market prices for similar or identical assets, we do not believe that the nature of estimates and
assumptions affected by levels of subjectivity and judgment was material to the valuation of the investment portfolio as of July 31, 2010. Level 3 assets do not represent a significant portion of our total investment portfolio as of
July 31, 2010.

Other-than-Temporary Impairments We recognize an impairment charge when the declines in the fair values of our
fixed income or publicly traded equity securities below their cost basis are judged to be other than temporary. The ultimate value realized on these securities, to the extent unhedged, is subject to market price volatility until they are sold.

Effective at the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, we were required to evaluate our fixed income securities for
other-than-temporary impairments subject to new accounting guidance. Pursuant to this accounting guidance, if the fair value of a debt security is less than its amortized cost, we assess whether the impairment is other than temporary. An impairment
is considered other than temporary if (i) we have the intent to sell the security, (ii) it is more likely than not that we will be required to

14 Cisco Systems, Inc.

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

sell the security before recovery of its entire amortized cost basis, or (iii) we do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost of the security. If an impairment is considered other
than temporary based on (i) or (ii) described in the prior sentence, the entire difference between the amortized cost and the fair value of the security is recognized in earnings. If an impairment is considered other than temporary based
on condition (iii), the amount representing credit losses, defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis of the debt security, will be recognized in earnings and the
amount relating to all other factors will be recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI). In estimating the amount and timing of cash flows expected to be collected, we consider all available information including past events, current conditions,
the remaining payment terms of the security, the financial condition of the issuer, expected defaults, and the value of underlying collateral.

For publicly traded equity securities, we consider various factors in determining whether we should recognize an impairment charge, including the
length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than our cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and our intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any
anticipated recovery in market value.

There were no impairment charges on investments in fixed income securities and publicly traded
equity securities that were recognized in earnings in fiscal 2010, while for fiscal 2009 impairment charges of $258 million were recognized in earnings. There were no such impairments in fiscal 2008. Our ongoing consideration of all the factors
described previously could result in additional impairment charges in the future, which could adversely affect our net income.

We also
have investments in privately held companies, some of which are in the startup or development stages. As of July 31, 2010, our investments in privately held companies were $756 million, compared with $709 million as of July 25, 2009, and
were included in other assets. See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We monitor these investments for events or circumstances indicative of potential impairment and will make appropriate reductions in carrying values if we determine
that an impairment charge is required, based primarily on the financial condition and near-term prospects of these companies. These investments are inherently risky because the markets for the technologies or products these companies are developing
are typically in the early stages and may never materialize. Our impairment charges on investments in privately held companies were $25 million, $85 million, and $12 million in fiscal 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Asset Impairments

Our
methodology for allocating the purchase price relating to purchase acquisitions is determined through established valuation techniques. Goodwill represents a residual value as of the acquisition date which, in most cases, results in measuring
goodwill as an excess of the purchase consideration transferred plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquired company over the fair value of net assets acquired, including contingent consideration. We perform goodwill impairment
tests on an annual basis in the fourth fiscal quarter and between annual tests in certain circumstances for each reporting unit. Effective in fiscal 2010, the assessment of fair value for goodwill and purchased intangible assets is based on factors
that market participants would use in an orderly transaction in accordance with the new accounting guidance for the fair value measurement of nonfinancial assets.

The goodwill recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 31, 2010 and July 25, 2009 was $16.7 billion and $12.9 billion,
respectively. In response to changes in industry and market conditions, we could be required to strategically realign our resources and consider restructuring, disposing of, or otherwise exiting businesses, which could result in an impairment of
goodwill. There was no impairment of goodwill in fiscal 2010, 2009, or 2008. The excess of the fair value over the carrying value for each of our reporting units ranged from approximately $4 billion for the Japan theater to approximately $41 billion
for the United States and Canada theater. We performed a sensitivity analysis for goodwill impairment with respect to each of our respective reporting units and determined that a hypothetical 10% decline in the fair value of each reporting unit as
of July 31, 2010 would not result in an impairment of goodwill for any reporting unit.

We make judgments about the recoverability
of purchased intangible assets with finite lives whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an impairment may exist. Recoverability of purchased intangible assets with finite lives is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the
asset to the future undiscounted cash flows the asset is expected to generate. We review indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.
Recoverability of indefinite-lived intangible assets is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the future discounted cash flows the asset is expected to generate. If the asset is considered to be impaired, the amount of any
impairment is measured as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the impaired asset. Assumptions and estimates about future values and remaining useful lives of our purchased intangible assets are complex and subjective.
They can be affected by a variety of factors, including external factors such as industry and economic trends, and internal factors such as changes in our business strategy and our internal forecasts. We recorded impairment charges of $28 million,
$95 million and $33 million during fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, related to our purchased intangible assets. Our ongoing consideration of all the factors described previously could result in additional impairment charges in the future,
which could adversely affect our net income.

2010 Annual Report 15

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

Income Taxes

We are subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Our effective tax rates differ from the statutory rate, primarily due to the
tax impact of state taxes, foreign operations, research and development (R&D) tax credits, tax audit settlements, nondeductible compensation, international realignments, and transfer pricing adjustments. Our effective tax rate was 17.5%, 20.3%,
and 21.5% in fiscal 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

Significant judgment is required in evaluating our uncertain tax positions and
determining our provision for income taxes. Although we believe our reserves are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different from that which is reflected in our historical income tax
provisions and accruals. We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the
amounts recorded, such differences will impact the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made. The provision for income taxes includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that are considered
appropriate, as well as the related net interest.

Significant judgment is also required in determining any valuation allowance recorded
against deferred tax assets. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider all available evidence, including past operating results, estimates of future taxable income, and the feasibility of tax planning strategies. In the event that
we change our determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, we will adjust our valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made.

Our provision for income taxes is subject to volatility and could be adversely impacted by earnings being lower than anticipated in
countries that have lower tax rates and higher than anticipated in countries that have higher tax rates; by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities; by expiration of or lapses in the R&D tax credit laws; by
transfer pricing adjustments including the effect of acquisitions on our intercompany R&D cost sharing arrangement and legal structure; by tax effects of nondeductible compensation; by tax costs related to intercompany realignments; by changes
in accounting principles; or by changes in tax laws and regulations including possible U.S. changes to the taxation of earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, the deductibility of expenses attributable to foreign income, or the foreign
tax credit rules. Significant judgment is required to determine the recognition and measurement attributes prescribed in the accounting guidance for uncertainty in income taxes. The accounting guidance for uncertainty in income taxes applies to all
income tax positions, including the potential recovery of previously paid taxes, which if settled unfavorably could adversely impact our provision for income taxes or additional paid-in capital. Further, as a result of certain of our ongoing
employment and capital investment actions and commitments, our income in certain countries is subject to reduced tax rates and in some cases is wholly exempt from tax. Our failure to meet these commitments could adversely impact our provision for
income taxes. In addition, we are subject to the continuous examination of our income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these
examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. There can be no assurance that the outcomes from these continuous examinations will not have an adverse impact on our operating results and financial condition.

Loss Contingencies

We are subject to the possibility of
various losses arising in the ordinary course of business. We consider the likelihood of loss or impairment of an asset or the incurrence of a liability, as well as our ability to reasonably estimate the amount of loss, in determining loss
contingencies. An estimated loss contingency is accrued when it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We regularly evaluate current information available to
us to determine whether such accruals should be adjusted and whether new accruals are required.

Third parties, including customers, have
in the past and may in the future assert claims or initiate litigation related to exclusive patent, copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property rights to technologies and related standards that are relevant to us. These assertions have
increased over time as a result of our growth and the general increase in the pace of patent claims assertions, particularly in the United States. If any infringement or other intellectual property claim made against us by any third party is
successful, or if we fail to develop non-infringing technology or license the proprietary rights on commercially reasonable terms and conditions, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

Reclassifications

Certain
immaterial reclassifications have been made to amounts for prior years in order to conform to the current years presentation. These immaterial reclassifications relate to net sales for similar groups of products, and gross margin by theater,
and are undertaken as we endeavor to refine the presentation of these respective categories.

16 Cisco Systems, Inc.

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

Discussion of Fiscal 2010, 2009, and 2008

Net Sales

The following table presents the breakdown of net
sales between product and service revenue (in millions, except percentages):

Years Ended

July 31, 2010

July 25, 2009

Variancein Dollars

Variancein Percent

July 25, 2009

July 26, 2008

Variancein Dollars

Variance

in Percent

Net sales:

Product

$

32,420

$

29,131

$

3,289

11.3%

$

29,131

$

33,099

$ (3,968

)

(12.0)%

Percentage of net sales

81.0%

80.7%

80.7%

83.7%

Service

7,620

6,986

634

9.1%

6,986

6,441

545

8.5 %

Percentage of net sales

19.0%

19.3%

19.3%

16.3%

Total

$

40,040

$

36,117

$

3,923

10.9%

$

36,117

$

39,540

$(3,423

)

(8.7)%

We manage our business primarily on a geographic basis, organized into five geographic theaters. Our net sales, which include product
and service revenue, for each theater are summarized in the following table (in millions, except percentages):

Years Ended

July 31, 2010

July 25, 2009

Variancein Dollars

Variancein Percent

July 25, 2009

July 26, 2008

Variancein Dollars

Variance

in Percent

Net sales:

United States and Canada

$

21,740

$

19,345

$

2,395

12.4%

$

19,345

$

21,242

$ (1,897

)

(8.9)%

Percentage of net sales

54.3%

53.5%

53.5%

53.7%

European Markets

8,048

7,683

365

4.8%

7,683

8,123

(440

)

(5.4)%

Percentage of net sales

20.1%

21.3%

21.3%

20.5%

Emerging Markets

4,367

3,999

368

9.2%

3,999

4,530

(531

)

(11.7)%

Percentage of net sales

10.9%

11.1%

11.1%

11.5%

Asia Pacific

4,359

3,718

641

17.2%

3,718

4,276

(558

)

(13.0)%

Percentage of net sales

10.9%

10.3%

10.3%

10.8%

Japan

1,526

1,372

154

11.2%

1,372

1,369

3

0.2 %

Percentage of net sales

3.8%

3.8%

3.8%

3.5%

Total

$

40,040

$

36,117

$

3,923

10.9%

$

36,117

$

39,540

$ (3,423

)

(8.7)%

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

Net sales increased across all of our geographic theaters in fiscal 2010 as compared with fiscal 2009. In our view, the sales increase in fiscal 2010
was a result of the global demand recovery during fiscal 2010 in comparison to the weakness we experienced for most of fiscal 2009. We had an increase in both net product sales and service revenue in fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009. From a
customer market perspective, in fiscal 2010, we saw an improved demand environment for capital expenditures and balanced growth across all of our customer markets.

We conduct business globally in numerous currencies. The direct effect of foreign currency fluctuations on sales has not been material because our
sales are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars. However, if the U.S. dollar strengthens relative to other currencies, such strengthening could have an indirect effect on our sales to the extent it raises the cost of our products to non-U.S.
customers and thereby reduces demand. A weaker U.S. dollar could have the opposite effect. However, the precise indirect effect of currency fluctuations is difficult to measure or predict because our sales are influenced by many factors in addition
to the impact of such currency fluctuations.

In addition to the impact of macroeconomic factors, net sales by theater in a particular
period may be significantly impacted by several factors related to revenue recognition, including the complexity of transactions such as multiple-element arrangements; the mix of financing arrangements provided to our channel partners and customers;
and final acceptance of the product, system, or solution, among other factors. In addition, certain customers tend to make large and sporadic purchases and the net sales related to these transactions may also be affected by the timing of revenue
recognition, which in turn would impact the net sales of the relevant theater.

Fiscal 2009 Compared with Fiscal 2008

We experienced a decline in our net product sales in fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008, while our service revenue showed a year-over-year increase. The global
economic downturn and the effect it had on information technology spending resulted in year-over-year decreases in product sales in our service provider, commercial, enterprise, and consumer markets and across all our geographic theaters. However,
within our enterprise market, the public sector showed relative strength across most of our geographic theaters, compared with other customer markets within the respective theaters. Service revenue increased across all theaters, led by higher sales
in the Emerging Markets theater.

2010 Annual Report 17

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

Net Product Sales by Theater

The following table presents the breakdown of net product sales by theater (in millions, except percentages):

Years
Ended

July 31, 2010

July 25, 2009

Variancein Dollars

Variancein Percent

July 25, 2009

July 26, 2008

Variancein Dollars

Variance

in Percent

Net product sales:

United States and Canada

$

16,915

$

14,866

$

2,049

13.8%

$

14,866

$

16,965

$

(2,099

)

(12.4)%

Percentage of net product sales

52.2%

51.0%

51.0%

51.2%

European Markets

6,821

6,579

242

3.7%

6,579

7,072

(493

)

(7.0)%

Percentage of net product sales

21.0%

22.6%

22.6%

21.4%

Emerging Markets

3,728

3,377

351

10.4%

3,377

4,083

(706

)

(17.3)%

Percentage of net product sales

11.5%

11.6%

11.6%

12.3%

Asia Pacific

3,721

3,191

530

16.6%

3,191

3,803

(612

)

(16.1)%

Percentage of net product sales

11.5%

11.0%

11.0%

11.5%

Japan

1,235

1,118

117

10.5%

1,118

1,176

(58

)

(4.9)%

Percentage of net product sales

3.8%

3.8%

3.8%

3.6%

Total

$

32,420

$

29,131

$

3,289

11.3%

$

29,131

$

33,099

$

(3,968

)

(12.0)%

United States and Canada

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

Net product
sales in the United States and Canada theater increased during fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 due to the improvement in the economic environment in this theater. The increase in net product sales compared with fiscal 2009 was across all of
our customer markets in the United States and Canada theater, led by the commercial and enterprise markets. Within the enterprise market, net product sales to the U.S. federal government increased on a year-over-year basis for fiscal 2010. Our net
product sales in the consumer market for fiscal 2010 in this theater increased compared with fiscal 2009, primarily due to sales of Flip Video cameras from the acquisition of Pure Digital, which we acquired in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009. From
a product perspective, the increase in fiscal 2010 net product sales in this theater was driven in large part by higher sales of our switching products.

Fiscal 2009 Compared with Fiscal 2008

Net product
sales in the United States and Canada theater decreased during fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008 as a result of the unfavorable economic and market conditions and the associated impact on information technology spending. The decrease was driven
by lower sales in the service provider and commercial markets and to a lesser extent by lower sales in the enterprise market. In fiscal 2009, sales in the service provider market in the United States were particularly affected by lower spending by a
few of the large customers in that market. Sales in our commercial and enterprise markets decreased in fiscal 2009, primarily due to cautious spending by customers in these markets. Within our enterprise market, sales to the U.S. federal government
showed relative strength, with increased sales in fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008, while our sales to state and local governments decreased in fiscal 2009.

European Markets

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal
2009

The slight increase in net product sales in the European Markets theater in fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 was driven by increased
sales across most of our customer markets in this theater with particular strength in the enterprise and commercial markets. From a country perspective, net product sales increased in the United Kingdom and France while decreasing for both Germany
and Italy compared with fiscal 2009. Our European Markets theater grew more slowly relative to other theaters on a year-over-year basis, which we believe was attributable in part to the fact that many of the countries in this theater were among the
last countries to begin experiencing the economic downturn in fiscal 2009, and consequently some of these countries are recovering later. Product sales growth in this theater began to strengthen in the second half of fiscal 2010. During fiscal 2010
we did not see significant negative effects on our net product sales in the European Markets theater from the recent economic and financial turmoil related to sovereign debt issues in certain European countries.

18 Cisco Systems, Inc.

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

Fiscal 2009 Compared with Fiscal 2008

The decrease in net product sales in the European Markets theater in fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008 was driven by lower sales to the service provider,
commercial, and enterprise markets. Despite a decline in sales in our overall enterprise market in this theater, sales to the public sector showed strength relative to other customer markets within this theater. The decline in sales for fiscal 2009
was experienced across the major countries in the European Markets theater, and particularly in the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany.

Emerging
Markets

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

Net product sales in the Emerging Markets theater increased, primarily as a result of increased product sales across all of our customer markets with the exception
of the consumer market. We experienced a return to stronger year-over-year sales growth in the second half of fiscal 2010, led by Brazil, Mexico, and Russia. Certain of our customers in the Emerging Markets theater tend to make large and sporadic
purchases, and the net sales related to these transactions may also be affected by the timing of revenue recognition. Further, some customers may continue to require greater levels of financing arrangements, service, and support in future periods,
which may also impact the timing of recognition of the revenue for this theater.

Fiscal 2009 Compared with Fiscal 2008

Net product sales in the Emerging Markets theater decreased across all customer market segments in fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008, primarily due to lower
sales to the service provider, commercial and enterprise markets. We also experienced a sales decline in fiscal 2009 across most countries in this theater, with particular weakness in Russia, Brazil, and Mexico. In addition to the impact from lower
shipments, the decline in net product sales in this theater in fiscal 2009 was also due to the timing of revenue recognition for sales involving financing arrangements.

Asia Pacific

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

The increase in net product sales in the Asia Pacific theater in fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 was attributable to increased product
sales to our enterprise, commercial, and service provider markets in this theater. We experienced strength in most countries including China and Australia, two of the larger countries in this theater, during fiscal 2010.

Fiscal 2009 Compared with Fiscal 2008

The decrease
in net product sales in the Asia Pacific theater in fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008 was reflected across all the customer market segments. The decrease was driven by lower sales in the enterprise and service provider markets, and to a lesser
extent in the commercial market. The year-over-year decline in net product sales was experienced across most of the major countries in this theater, particularly in South Korea and India. Net product sales in Australia remained relatively flat and
China exhibited only a slight decline in net product sales in fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008.

Japan

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

Net product
sales in the Japan theater increased in fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009, primarily due to an increase in net product sales to the enterprise and service provider markets.

Fiscal 2009 Compared with Fiscal 2008

Net product
sales in the Japan theater decreased in fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008, primarily due to a decline in sales to the service provider market and a decline in sales to the enterprise market, excluding the public sector. Net product sales to the
public sector within the enterprise market increased in this theater.

2010 Annual Report 19

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

Net Product Sales by Groups of Similar Products

In addition to the primary view on a geographic basis, we also prepare financial information related to groups of similar products and customer markets for various
purposes. The following table presents net sales for groups of similar products (in millions, except percentages):

Years Ended

July 31, 2010

July 25, 2009

Variancein Dollars

Variancein Percent

July 25, 2009

July 26, 2008

Variancein Dollars

Variance

in Percent

Net product sales:

Routers

$

6,574

$

6,311

$

263

4.2

%

$

6,311

$

7,940

$

(1,629

)

(20.5)%

Percentage of net product sales

20.3%

21.7%

21.7%

24.0%

Switches

13,568

12,119

1,449

12.0

%

12,119

13,538

(1,419

)

(10.5)%

Percentage of net product sales

41.9%

41.6%

41.6%

40.9%

Advanced technologies

9,639

9,093

546

6.0

%

9,093

9,446

(353

)

(3.7)%

Percentage of net product sales

29.7%

31.2%

31.2%

28.5%

Other

2,639

1,608

1,031

64.1

%

1,608

2,175

(567

)

(26.1)%

Percentage of net product sales

8.1%

5.5%

5.5%

6.6%

Total

$

32,420

$

29,131

$

3,289

11.3

%

$

29,131

$

33,099

$

(3,968

)

(12.0)%

Routers

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

We categorize
our routers primarily as high-end, midrange, and low-end routers. Our sales of routers increased in our high-end category in fiscal 2010 while sales of routers declined in both the midrange and low-end categories. Within the high-end router
category, the increase was driven by the higher sales of the Cisco CRS-1 Carrier Routing System, higher sales of the Cisco 7600 Series Routers, the Cisco ASR 1000 and 9000 Series Aggregation Services Routers, and the inclusion of the Cisco ASR 5000
products from our acquisition of Starent, partially offset by lower sales of Cisco 12000 Series Routers. Our decline in sales of midrange and low-end routers was primarily due to a decline in sales of our integrated services routers.

Fiscal 2009 Compared with Fiscal 2008

Our sales of
routers decreased across each category with the decline in sales of high-end routers of approximately $1.1 billion representing the most significant decrease in dollar and percentage terms. Within the high-end router category, the decline was driven
by the lower sales of Cisco 12000 Series Routers, Cisco 7600 Series Routers, and the Cisco CRS-1 Carrier Routing System, partially offset by an increase in sales of Cisco ASR 1000 Series Aggregation Services Routers. Because our high-end routers are
sold primarily to service providers, our high-end router sales during fiscal 2009 were adversely impacted by, among other factors, a slowdown in capital expenditures in the global service provider market, and the tendency of service providers to
make large and sporadic purchases. Our decline in sales of midrange and low-end routers was primarily due to a decline in sales of our integrated services routers.

Switches

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

The increase in net product sales related to switches in fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 was due primarily to higher sales of our modular
and LAN fixed-configuration switches of approximately $830 million and $630 million, respectively. The increase in sales of modular switches was primarily due to the increased sales of our Cisco Nexus 7000 and Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series Switches,
partially offset by decreased sales of our Cisco Catalyst 6000 Series Switches. The increase in LAN fixed-configuration switches was primarily due to increased sales of Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series Switches and Cisco Nexus 5000 and 2000 Series
Switches, partially offset by decreased sales of our Cisco Catalyst 3560 Series Switches.

Fiscal 2009 Compared with Fiscal 2008

The decrease in net product sales related to switches in fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008 was due to lower sales in modular switches and
local-area network (LAN) fixed-configuration switches of approximately $740 million and approximately $680 million, respectively. The decrease in sales of modular switches was primarily due to decreased sales of Cisco Catalyst 6500 and 4500 Series
Switches, partially offset by increased sales of Cisco Nexus 7000 Series Switches. The decrease in sales of LAN fixed-configuration switches was primarily a result of lower sales of Cisco Catalyst 3560 and 3750 Series Switches.

20 Cisco Systems, Inc.

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

Sales of security products increased by $195 million. Our increased sales of security products were a result of increased sales of our web and email security
products as well as our security appliance products, each of which integrates multiple technologies (including virtual private network (VPN), firewall, and intrusion prevention services) on one platform, partially offset by lower sales of module and
line-cards related to our routers and LAN switches.



Sales of wireless LAN products increased by $169 million, primarily due to the customer adoption of and migration to the Cisco Unified Wireless Network
architecture.

Sales of video systems were relatively flat for fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008, as the increased sales of IP set-top boxes and other video products was
offset by lower sales of HD-DVR cable set-top boxes.



Sales of security products decreased by approximately $65 million. Our decreased sales of security products were a result of the lower sales of module and
line-cards related to our routers and LAN switches, partially offset by increased sales of our web and email security products and security appliance products.



Sales of networked home products decreased by approximately $140 million. The decrease in sales of networked home products was primarily due to lower sales of
wireless routers for the connected home, cable modems, and adapters.



Sales of storage area networking products decreased by approximately $85 million, which was primarily due to lower sales of our MDS 9000 product line.



Sales of wireless LAN products decreased by approximately $50 million.

The increase in
other product revenue in fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 was primarily due to the following: increased sales of Flip Video cameras of $317 million from our Pure Digital acquisition in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009; increased sales of Cisco
TelePresence systems products of $263 million, in large part from our acquisition of Tandberg in the third quarter of fiscal 2010; increased sales of cable products of $247 million; and increased sales of Cisco Unified Computing System products of
approximately $181 million.

Fiscal 2009 Compared with Fiscal 2008

The decrease in other product revenue in fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008 was primarily due to the decline in sales of our cable, optical, and service provider
voice products, partially offset by increased sales of emerging technology products such as Cisco TelePresence systems.

2010 Annual Report 21

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

Net Service Sales by Theater

The following table presents the breakdown of service revenue by theater (in millions, except percentages):

Years Ended

July 31, 2010

July 25, 2009

Variancein Dollars

Variancein Percent

July 25, 2009

July 26, 2008

Variancein Dollars

Variance

in Percent

Service revenue:

United States and Canada

$

4,825

$

4,479

$

346

7.7%

$

4,479

$

4,277

$

202

4.7%

Percentage of service revenue

63.3%

64.1%

64.1%

66.4%

European Markets

1,227

1,104

123

11.1%

1,104

1,051

53

5.0%

Percentage of service revenue

16.1%

15.8%

15.8%

16.3%

Emerging Markets

639

622

17

2.7%

622

447

175

39.1%

Percentage of service revenue

8.4%

8.9%

8.9%

7.0%

Asia Pacific

638

527

111

21.1%

527

473

54

11.4%

Percentage of service revenue

8.4%

7.6%

7.6%

7.3%

Japan

291

254

37

14.6%

254

193

61

31.6%

Percentage of service revenue

3.8%

3.6%

3.6%

3.0%

Total

$

7,620

$

6,986

$

634

9.1%

$

6,986

$

6,441

$

545

8.5%

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

Net service revenue increased across all of our geographic theaters in fiscal 2010, with particular strength in our Asia Pacific theater. The
increase in total service revenue was due to growth from technical support services as well as increased revenue from advanced services, which relates to consulting support services for specific network needs. In fiscal 2010, technical support
service revenue increased across all of our geographic theaters with solid growth in our Asia Pacific and European Markets theaters. In fiscal 2010, we experienced advanced services revenue growth across each of our geographic theaters except for
our Emerging Markets theater. Total service revenue growth in fiscal 2010 also benefited from incremental revenue from our acquisitions during fiscal 2010 of Tandberg and Starent. Renewals and technical support service contract initiations
associated with recent product sales have resulted in a new installed base of equipment being serviced, contributing to these increases. Revenue with respect to service arrangements is recognized ratably over the period during which the related
services are to be performed.

Fiscal 2009 Compared with Fiscal 2008

Net service revenue increased across all of our geographic theaters in fiscal 2009, with particular strength in our Emerging Markets theater. Higher revenue from
technical support service contracts and increased revenue from advanced services relating to consulting services for specific customer networking needs contributed to the growth in net service revenue in fiscal 2009. The increase in our technical
support revenue was due to a combination of renewals, the amortization of existing technical support service contracts including multiyear service contracts initiated in prior years, and initiations associated with recent product sales, which have
led to a larger installed base of our equipment being serviced.

Gross Margin

The following table presents the gross margin for products and services (in millions, except percentages):

AMOUNT

PERCENTAGE

Years Ended

July 31, 2010

July 25, 2009

July 26, 2008

July 31, 2010

July 25, 2009

July 26, 2008

Gross margin:

Product

$

20,800

$

18,650

$

21,439

64.2

%

64.0

%

64.8

%

Service

4,843

4,444

3,907

63.6

%

63.6

%

60.7

%

Total

$

25,643

$

23,094

$

25,346

64.0

%

63.9

%

64.1

%

22 Cisco Systems, Inc.

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

Product Gross Margin

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

The following
table summarizes the key factors that contributed to the change in product gross margin percentage from fiscal 2009 to fiscal 2010:

Product

Gross MarginPercentage

Fiscal 2009

64.0%

Overall manufacturing costs

1.7%

Shipment volume, net of certain variable costs

0.6%

Mix of products sold

0.1%

Sales discounts, rebates, and product pricing

(2.2)%

Fiscal 2010

64.2%

Product
gross margin for fiscal 2010 increased by 0.2 percentage points compared with fiscal 2009, due primarily to lower overall manufacturing costs driven by strong operational efficiency in manufacturing operations, value engineering and a reduction in
other manufacturing-related costs. Value engineering is the process by which production costs are reduced through component redesign, board configuration, test processes, and transformation processes. The product gross margin for fiscal 2010 also
benefited from the increase in shipment volume. A favorable product mix contributed slightly to the increase in product gross margin percentage. Fiscal 2010 product gross margin was negatively impacted by sales discounts, rebates and product
pricing, which were driven by normal market factors, as well as the geographic mix of product revenue. The impact from sales discounts, rebates and product pricing was within our expected range.

Our future gross margins could be impacted by our product mix and by our movement into market adjacencies that have lower gross margins, such as the consumer
market with our sales of Flip Video cameras, as well as Cisco Unified Computing System products. Our gross margins may also be impacted by the geographic mix of our revenue or by increased sales discounts, rebates, and product pricing, which may be
attributable to competitive factors. Additionally, our manufacturing-related costs may be negatively impacted by constraints in our supply chain. If any of the preceding factors that impact our gross margins are adversely affected in future periods,
our product and service gross margins could decline.

Fiscal 2009 Compared with Fiscal 2008

The following table summarizes the key factors that contributed to the change in product gross margin percentage from fiscal 2008 to fiscal 2009:

ProductGross
MarginPercentage

Fiscal 2008

64.8%

Sales discounts, rebates, and product pricing

(2.1)%

Shipment volume, net of certain variable costs

(0.4)%

Mix of products sold

(0.4)%

Overall manufacturing costs

2.1%

Fiscal 2009

64.0%

Product gross
margin for fiscal 2009 decreased by 0.8 percentage points compared with fiscal 2008, primarily due to higher sales discounts and rebates and lower product pricing, which we experienced across our major geographic theaters. Lower shipment volume, net
of certain variable costs, and the mix of products sold also contributed to the decrease in the product gross margin percentage during fiscal 2009. The decrease in our product gross margin percentage was partially offset by lower manufacturing
costs, as we benefited from cost savings in component costs and value engineering and other manufacturing-related costs.

Service Gross Margin

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

Our
service gross margin percentage was unchanged from fiscal 2009 due to higher margins for technical support services offset by a decline in the gross margin for advanced services. The increase in technical support service gross margin in fiscal 2010
from fiscal 2009 was primarily a result of increased volume. Technical support margins will experience some variability due to various

2010 Annual Report 23

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

factors such as the timing of technical support service contract initiations and renewals and the timing of our strategic investments in headcount and resources to support this business. The
decrease in advanced services gross margin in fiscal 2010 from fiscal 2009 was primarily due to increased headcount costs, partially offset by higher volume. Our revenue from advanced services may increase to a higher proportion of total service
revenue due to our continued focus on providing comprehensive support to our customers networking devices, applications, and infrastructures.

Our service gross margin normally experiences some fluctuations due to various factors such as the timing of contract initiations in our renewals,
our strategic investments in headcount, and resources to support the overall service business. Other factors include the mix of service offerings, as the gross margin from our advanced services is typically lower than the gross margin from technical
support services.

Fiscal 2009 Compared with Fiscal 2008

Our service gross margin percentage increased in fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008, primarily due to higher margins for both technical support and advanced
services, and also due to the mix of service revenue, with advanced services constituting a lower proportion of total service revenue. The higher margins for both technical support and advanced services were attributable primarily to the growth of
our service revenue as well as to certain cost-control initiatives that have helped to limit our costs of providing technical support and advanced services. For advanced services, the higher gross margins also benefited from lower costs associated
with delays in certain projects.

Gross Margin by Theater

The following table presents the total gross margin for each theater (in millions, except percentages):

AMOUNT

PERCENTAGE

Years Ended

July 31, 2010

July 25, 2009

July 26, 2008

July 31, 2010

July 25, 2009

July 26, 2008

Gross margin:

United States and Canada

$ 14,077

$ 12,711

$ 13,917

64.8%

65.7%

65.5%

European Markets

5,421

5,106

5,331

67.4%

66.5%

65.6%

Emerging Markets

2,807

2,428

2,788

64.3%

60.7%

61.5%

Asia Pacific

2,713

2,293

2,751

62.2%

61.7%

64.3%

Japan

1,101

948

940

72.1%

69.1%

68.7%

Theater total

26,119

23,486

25,727

65.2%

65.0%

65.1%

Unallocated corporate
items(1)

(476

)

(392

)

(381

)

Total

$ 25,643

$ 23,094

$ 25,346

64.0%

63.9%

64.1%

(1) The unallocated corporate items include the effects of
amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets; share-based compensation expense; and, for the year ended July 25, 2009, it also includes charges related to asset impairments and restructurings. We do not allocate these items to the gross
margin for each theater because management does not include such information in measuring the performance of the operating segments.

Fiscal 2010
Compared with Fiscal 2009

In fiscal 2010, the gross margin percentage in the United States and Canada theater declined compared with fiscal
2009, primarily due to higher sales discounts and a lower service gross margin. Partially offsetting the decline were the impacts from increased shipment volume and lower overall manufacturing costs. The gross margin percentage in the European
Markets theater increased during fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 due primarily to lower overall manufacturing costs, increased shipment volume and favorable product mix. Partially offsetting the increase in this theater was the impact of
higher sales discounts. In fiscal 2010, the gross margin percentage in the Emerging Markets theater increased compared with fiscal 2009 due primarily to lower overall manufacturing costs, partially offset by the impact of higher sales discounts. The
gross margin percentage in the Asia Pacific theater increased during fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 due primarily to higher shipment volume and lower overall manufacturing costs. Partially offsetting the increase was the impact of higher
sales discounts and a decline in the services gross margin. In fiscal 2010, the gross margin percentage in the Japan theater increased during fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 due primarily to lower overall manufacturing costs, favorable mix
impacts, and increased shipment volume. Partially offsetting the increase was the impact of higher sales discounts and a decline in the services gross margin for this theater. For each of our theaters, the negative impact of sales discounts, rebates
and product pricing was driven by normal market factors and was within our expected range.

The gross margin percentage for a particular
theater may fluctuate and period-to-period changes in such percentages may or may not be indicative of a trend for that theater. Our product and service gross margins may be impacted by economic downturns or uncertain economic conditions as well as
our movement into market adjacencies and could decline if any of the factors that impact our gross margins are adversely affected in future periods.

24 Cisco Systems, Inc.

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

Fiscal 2009 Compared with Fiscal 2008

In fiscal 2009, the gross margin percentage increased in our two largest theaters, United States and Canada and European Markets. For these theaters, the favorable
impacts of improved service margins and lower overall manufacturing costs were partially offset by the effects of lower shipment volume, lower product pricing, and higher sales discounts. The gross margin percentage also increased in our Japan
theater in fiscal 2009, driven by improved service margins and lower overall manufacturing costs, partially offset by the effect of an unfavorable product mix. The decreases in the gross margin percentages for the Asia Pacific and Emerging Markets
theaters in fiscal 2009 were primarily a result of lower product pricing, higher sales discounts, and lower shipment volume, partially offset by lower overall manufacturing costs and improved service margins. For the Asia Pacific theater, the lower
product pricing and higher sales discounts effects were attributable to the impact from various market factors, including price-focused competition in that theater.

Factors That May Impact Net Sales and Gross Margin

Net
product sales may continue to be affected by factors including the recent global economic downturn and related market uncertainty, that have resulted in reduced or cautious spending in our global enterprise, service provider, and commercial markets;
changes in the geopolitical environment and global economic conditions; competition, including price-focused competitors from Asia, especially from China; new product introductions; sales cycles and product implementation cycles; changes in the mix
of our customers between service provider and enterprise markets; changes in the mix of direct sales and indirect sales; variations in sales channels; and final acceptance criteria of the product, system, or solution as specified by the customer.
Sales to the service provider market have been and may be in the future characterized by large and sporadic purchases, especially relating to our router sales and sales of certain advanced technologies. In addition, service provider customers
typically have longer implementation cycles; require a broader range of services, including network design services; and often have acceptance provisions that can lead to a delay in revenue recognition. Certain of our customers in the Emerging
Markets theater also tend to make large and sporadic purchases, and the net sales related to these transactions may similarly be affected by the timing of revenue recognition. As we focus on new market opportunities, customers may require greater
levels of financing arrangements, service, and support, especially in the Emerging Markets theater, which may result in a delay in the timing of revenue recognition. To improve customer satisfaction, we continue to focus on managing our
manufacturing lead-time performance, which may result in corresponding reductions in order backlog. A decline in backlog levels could result in more variability and less predictability in our quarter-to-quarter net sales and operating results.

Net product sales may also be adversely affected by fluctuations in demand for our products, especially with respect to
telecommunications service providers and Internet businesses, whether or not driven by any slowdown in capital expenditures in the service provider market; price and product competition in the communications and information technology industry;
introduction and market acceptance of new technologies and products; adoption of new networking standards; and financial difficulties experienced by our customers. We may, from time to time, experience manufacturing issues that create a delay in our
suppliers ability to provide specific components, resulting in delayed shipments. To the extent that manufacturing issues and any related component shortages result in delayed shipments in the future, and particularly in periods when we and
our suppliers are operating at higher levels of capacity, it is possible that revenue for a quarter could be adversely affected if such matters are not remediated within the same quarter. For additional factors that may impact net product sales, see
Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our distributors and retail partners participate in various cooperative marketing and other programs. In addition, increasing sales to our distributors and retail
partners generally result in greater difficulty in forecasting the mix of our products and, to a certain degree, the timing of orders from our customers. We recognize revenue for sales to our distributors and retail partners generally based on a
sell-through method using information provided by them, and we maintain estimated accruals and allowances for all cooperative marketing and other programs.

Product gross margin may be adversely affected in the future by changes in the mix of products sold, including further periods of increased growth
of some of our lower margin products; introduction of new products, including products with price-performance advantages; our ability to reduce production costs; entry into new markets, including markets with different pricing structures and cost
structures, as a result of internal development or through acquisitions; changes in distribution channels; price competition, including competitors from Asia, especially those from China; changes in geographic mix of our product sales; the timing of
revenue recognition and revenue deferrals; sales discounts; increases in material or labor costs, including share-based compensation expense; excess inventory and obsolescence charges; warranty costs; changes in shipment volume; loss of cost savings
due to changes in component pricing; effects of value engineering; inventory holding charges; and the extent to which we successfully execute on our strategy and operating plans. Additionally, our manufacturing-related costs may be negatively
impacted by constraints in our supply chain. Service gross margin may be impacted by various factors such as the change in mix between technical support services and advanced services, the timing of technical support service contract initiations and
renewals, share-based compensation expense, and the timing of our strategic investments in headcount and resources to support this business.

2010 Annual Report 25

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

Research and Development (R&D), Sales and Marketing, and General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses

R&D, sales and marketing, and G&A expenses are summarized in the following table (in millions, except percentages):

Years Ended

July 31, 2010

July 25, 2009

Variancein Dollars

Variancein Percent

July 25, 2009

July 26, 2008

Variancein Dollars

Variancein Percent

Research and development

$

5,273

$

5,208

$

65

1.2%

$

5,208

$

5,325

$

(117)

(2.2

)%

Percentage of net sales

13.2%

14.4%

14.4%

13.5%

Sales and marketing

8,716

8,403

313

3.7%

8,403

8,690

(287)

(3.3

)%

Percentage of net sales

21.8%

23.3%

23.3%

22.0%

General and administrative

1,999

1,565

434

27.7%

1,565

1,387

178

12.8

%

Percentage of net sales

5.0%

4.3%

4.3%

3.5%

Total

$

15,988

$

15,176

$

812

5.4%

$

15,176

$

15,402

$

(226)

(1.5

)%

Percentage of net sales

39.9%

42.0%

42.0%

39.0%

Fiscal 2010 had an extra week compared with fiscal 2009. We estimate that the extra week contributed approximately $150
million of the year-over-year increase in total operating expenses. The year-over-year changes within operating expenses including the effects of foreign currency exchange rates, net of hedging, are summarized by line item as follows:

R&D Expenses

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal
2009

The slight increase in R&D expenses for fiscal 2010 was primarily due to higher headcount-related expenses, including increased
variable compensation expense and the impact of acquisitions, higher share-based compensation expense, and the impact of the extra week in fiscal 2010. Partially offsetting the increase in R&D expenses in fiscal 2010 were lower
acquisition-related compensation expenses associated with milestone achievements from prior period acquisitions and the absence in fiscal 2010 of the enhanced early retirement and limited workforce reduction charges incurred during fiscal 2009. All
of our R&D costs are expensed as incurred, and we continue to invest in R&D in order to bring a broad range of products to market in a timely fashion. If we believe that we are unable to enter a particular market in a timely manner with
internally developed products, we may purchase or license technology from other businesses, or partner with, or acquire businesses as an alternative to internal R&D.

Fiscal 2009 Compared with Fiscal 2008

The decrease
in R&D expenses for fiscal 2009 was primarily due to lower discretionary expenses, lower variable compensation expenses, and lower acquisition-related compensation expenses. Lower discretionary expenses included reduced expenses for travel,
meeting and events, and outside services. These decreases were partially offset by enhanced early retirement and limited workforce reduction charges as well as increased employee share-based compensation expenses in fiscal 2009.

Sales and Marketing Expenses

Fiscal 2010 Compared
with Fiscal 2009

Sales and marketing expenses increased in fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 due to an increase of $197 million in sales
expenses and an increase of $116 million in marketing expenses. Both the sales expense and the marketing expense components of the category increased during fiscal 2010 due to higher headcount-related expenses, including higher variable compensation
expense, higher share-based compensation expense, and the impact of the extra week in fiscal 2010. Additionally, and separately, sales expenses increased due to the impact of acquisitions while higher advertising expenses contributed further to the
increase in marketing expenses. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in discretionary expenses such as travel, professional services, and a decrease in various operational expenses.

Fiscal 2009 Compared with Fiscal 2008

Sales and
marketing expenses declined in fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008 due to a decrease of approximately $170 million in sales expenses and a decrease of approximately $120 million in marketing expenses. The decrease in sales and marketing expenses
was primarily a result of lower discretionary expenses related to travel, meeting and events, marketing programs and outside services. An additional factor that contributed to the decrease in sales and marketing expenses in fiscal 2009 was lower
variable compensation expenses, partially offset by the enhanced early retirement and limited workforce reduction charges. Foreign currency fluctuations, net of hedging, decreased total sales and marketing expenses by approximately $200 million
during fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008.

26 Cisco Systems, Inc.

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

G&A Expenses

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

The increase in
G&A expenses in fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 was in part attributable to approximately $130 million of higher real estate-related charges related to impairments and other charges related to excess facilities. Additionally, G&A
expenses in fiscal 2010 increased due to higher share-based compensation expense, higher headcount-related expenses, acquisition-related expenses, and higher information technology expenses, as well as the impact of the extra week in fiscal 2010.

Fiscal 2009 Compared with Fiscal 2008

The increase in G&A expenses in fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008 was primarily due to increased project-related expenses, including information technology
expenses. Other factors also contributed to the increase in G&A expenses in fiscal 2009, including higher share-based compensation and acquisition-related compensation expenses, as well as the enhanced early retirement and limited workforce
reduction charges in fiscal 2009.

Effect of Foreign Currency

In fiscal 2010, foreign currency fluctuations, net of hedging, increased the combined R&D, sales and marketing, and G&A expenses by $34 million, or
approximately 0.2%, compared with fiscal 2009. In fiscal 2009, foreign currency fluctuations, net of hedging, decreased the combined R&D, sales and marketing, and G&A expenses by approximately $280 million, or 1.8%, compared with fiscal
2008.

Headcount

Fiscal 2010 Compared with
Fiscal 2009

For fiscal 2010, our headcount increased by approximately 5,150 employees, which was attributable to the acquisitions of Tandberg
and Starent along with targeted hiring as part of our investment in growth initiatives. We expect to increase our headcount in the near term based on what we believe to be a positive market for our growth initiatives, and in addition to hiring in
order to capitalize on such initiatives, our hiring will be focused on productivity improvements and movements into new market adjacencies.

Fiscal 2009 Compared with Fiscal 2008

Our headcount
decreased by 584 employees in fiscal 2009. The decrease in headcount in fiscal 2009 resulted from our limited workforce reduction actions, employee attrition, and a hiring pause. The decrease was partially offset by the effect of acquisitions and
the hiring of recent college graduates.

Share-based
compensation expense increased for fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 due primarily to the effects of straight-line vesting compared with accelerated vesting for options granted prior to fiscal 2006, a change in vesting periods from five to four
years for awards granted beginning in fiscal 2009, and the impact of the extra week in fiscal 2010. Share-based compensation expense for fiscal 2009 increased compared with fiscal 2008, primarily due to a larger proportion of share-based awards
being subject to straight-line vesting, a shorter vesting period of four years for most share-based awards granted in fiscal 2009, and an increase in the weighted-average estimated grant date fair value for each share-based award. See Note 13 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.

2010 Annual Report 27

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

Amortization of Purchased Intangible Assets

The following table presents the amortization of purchased intangible assets included in operating expenses (in millions):

Years Ended

July 31, 2010

July 25, 2009

July 26, 2008

Amortization of purchased intangible assets included in operating expenses

$

491

$

533

$

499

For fiscal 2010, the decrease in the amortization of
purchased intangible assets included in operating expenses was primarily due to lower impairment charges in fiscal 2010 as compared with fiscal 2009, partially offset by increased amortization of purchased intangible assets from acquisitions
completed during fiscal 2010.

For fiscal 2009, the increase in the amortization of purchased intangible assets included in operating
expenses was primarily due to impairment charges of $95 million in connection with write-downs of purchased intangible assets related to certain technologies and customer relationships as a result of reductions in expected future cash flows from
those technologies and relationships. This effect was partially offset by lower amortization in fiscal 2009 from certain purchased intangible assets, primarily from the Scientific-Atlanta acquisition, that became fully amortized during fiscal 2009.
For additional information regarding purchased intangible assets, see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The fair value of
acquired technology and patents, as well as acquired technology under development, is determined at acquisition date primarily using the income approach, which discounts expected future cash flows to present value. The discount rates used in the
present value calculations are typically derived from a weighted-average cost of capital analysis and then adjusted to reflect risks inherent in the development lifecycle as appropriate. We consider the pricing model for products related to these
acquisitions to be standard within the high-technology communications industry, and the applicable discount rates represent the rates that market participants would use for valuation of such intangible assets. For additional information regarding
purchased intangibles, see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest and Other Income, Net

Interest Income (Expense), Net The following table summarizes interest income and interest expense (in millions):

Years Ended

July 31, 2010

July 25, 2009

Variancein Dollars

July 25, 2009

July 26, 2008

Variancein Dollars

Interest income

$

635

$

845

$

(210)

$

845

$

1,143

$

(298)

Interest expense

(623

)

(346

)

(277)

(346

)

(319

)

(27)

Interest income (expense), net

$

12

$

499

$

(487)

$

499

$

824

$

(325)

Fiscal 2010
Compared with Fiscal 2009

The decrease in interest income in fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 was due to lower average interest rates,
partially offset by higher average total cash and cash equivalents and fixed income security balances in fiscal 2010. The increase in interest expense in fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 was primarily due to additional interest expense related
to our debt issuances in November 2009 and February 2009.

Fiscal 2009 Compared with Fiscal 2008

The decrease in interest income in fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008 was due to lower average interest rates, partially offset by higher average total cash and
cash equivalents and fixed income security balances in fiscal 2009. The increase in interest expense in fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008 was primarily due to the higher average debt balances associated with the issuance of senior notes in an
aggregate amount of $4.0 billion in February 2009, partially offset by $500 million of senior unsecured notes which we retired when they were due.

28 Cisco Systems, Inc.

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

Other Income (Loss), Net The components of other income (loss), net, are summarized as follows
(in millions):

Years Ended

July 31, 2010

July 25, 2009

Variancein Dollars

July 25, 2009

July 26, 2008

Variancein Dollars

Net gains on investments in publicly traded equity securities

$

66

$

86

$

(20

)

$

86

$

88

$

(2)

Net gains (losses) on investments in fixed income securities

103

(110)

213

(110)

21

(131)

Total net gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments

169

(24)

193

(24)

109

(133)

Net gains (losses) on investments in privately held companies

54

(56)

110

(56)

(6)

(50)

Net gains (losses) on investments

223

(80)

303

(80)

103

(183)

Other gains (losses), net

16

(48)

64

(48)

(114)

66

Other income (loss), net

$

239

$

(128)

$

367

$

(128)

$

(11)

$

(117)

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

For fiscal
2010, the increase in net gains on available-for-sale investments was due to the absence of impairment charges on these securities during fiscal 2010. For fiscal 2009, the net gains and losses on fixed income securities included impairment charges
of $219 million and net gains on publicly traded equity securities included impairment charges of $39 million. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the unrealized gains and losses on investments.

The change in net gains (losses) on investments in privately held companies in fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 was primarily due to higher
realized gains and lower impairment charges in fiscal 2010. Net losses on investments in privately held companies included impairment charges of $25 million in fiscal 2010 compared with $85 million in fiscal 2009.

For fiscal
2009, we had an aggregate net loss on investments in publicly traded equity and fixed income securities recognized in other income (loss), compared with a net gain in fiscal 2008. The net loss in fiscal 2009 was primarily a result of the volatile
market conditions in the fixed income market during parts of fiscal 2009, which resulted in impairment charges on fixed income securities of $219 million during fiscal 2009. Net losses on fixed income securities in fiscal 2009 were partially offset
by gains on investments in publicly traded equity securities, which were primarily due to the termination of various forward sale agreements designated as fair value hedges of publicly traded equity securities. Net gains on publicly traded equity
securities include impairment charges of $39 million during fiscal 2009.

Net losses on investments in privately held companies increased
in fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008, primarily as a result of higher impairment charges, which were due to the deteriorating market conditions during parts of fiscal 2009. Net losses on investments in privately held companies included
impairment charges of $85 million in fiscal 2009 compared with $12 million in fiscal 2008.

Provision for Income Taxes

Fiscal 2010 Compared with Fiscal 2009

The provision
for income taxes resulted in an effective tax rate of 17.5% for fiscal 2010, compared with an effective tax rate of 20.3% for fiscal 2009. During fiscal 2010, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (the Ninth Circuit) withdrew
its prior holding and reaffirmed the 2005 U.S. Tax Court ruling in Xilinx, Inc. v. Commissioner. This final decision effectively reversed the corresponding tax charge in fiscal 2009. The net 2.8 percentage point decrease in the effective tax
rate between fiscal years was primarily attributable to this benefit and the absence in fiscal 2010 of the corresponding charge from fiscal 2009, partially offset by the absence in fiscal 2010, of the fiscal 2009 tax benefit of $106 million, or 1.4
percentage points, related to the retroactive portion of the U.S. federal R&D credit reinstatement.

For a full reconciliation of our
effective tax rate to the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% and further explanation of our provision for income taxes, see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

2010 Annual Report 29

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

Fiscal 2009 Compared with Fiscal 2008

The provision for income taxes resulted in an effective tax rate of 20.3% for fiscal 2009, compared with 21.5% for fiscal 2008. The net 1.2 percentage point
decrease in the effective tax rates between fiscal years was attributable in part to a greater proportion of net income which was subject to foreign income tax rates that are lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35%. Additionally, the
effective tax rate of 20.3% for fiscal 2009 included a tax benefit of $106 million, or 1.4 percentage points, related to fiscal 2008 R&D expenses due to the retroactive reinstatement of the U.S. federal R&D tax credit offset by tax costs of
$174 million, or 2.3 percentage points, related to a transfer pricing adjustment for share-based compensation. The transfer pricing adjustment was a result of a decision by the Ninth Circuit to overturn a 2005 U.S. Tax Court ruling in a case to
which we were not a party. The Ninth Circuit decision impacted the tax treatment of share-based compensation expenses for the purpose of determining intangible development costs under a companys R&D cost sharing arrangement. The effective
tax rate of 21.5% for fiscal 2008 included a net tax benefit of $162 million, or 1.6 percentage points, from the settlement of certain tax matters with the IRS offset by tax costs of $229 million, or 2.2 percentage points, related to the
intercompany realignment of certain of our foreign entities.

Recent Accounting Standards or Updates

In June 2009, the FASB issued revised guidance for the consolidation of variable interest entities. In February 2010, the FASB issued amendments to the
consolidation requirements, exempting certain investment funds from the June 2009 guidance for the consolidation of variable interest entities. The June 2009 guidance for the consolidation of variable interest entities replaces the
quantitative-based risks and rewards approach with a qualitative approach that focuses on identifying which enterprise has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entitys economic
performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could be potentially significant to the variable interest entity. The accounting guidance also requires an ongoing reassessment of whether an
enterprise is the primary beneficiary and requires additional disclosures about an enterprises involvement in variable interest entities. This accounting guidance is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2011. Upon
adoption, the application of the revised guidance for the consolidation of variable interest entities did not have a material impact to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued revised guidance for the accounting of transfers of financial assets. This guidance eliminates the concept of a
qualifying special-purpose entity, removes the scope exception for qualifying special-purpose entities when applying the accounting guidance related to the consolidation of variable interest entities, changes the requirements for derecognizing
financial assets, and requires enhanced disclosure. This accounting guidance is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2011. Upon adoption, the application of the revised guidance for the accounting of transfers of financial
assets did not have a material impact to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

30 Cisco Systems, Inc.

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following sections discuss the effects of changes in our balance sheet, contractual obligations, other commitments, and the stock repurchase program on our
liquidity and capital resources.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flows

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments The following table summarizes our cash and cash equivalents and investments (in millions):

July 31, 2010

July 25, 2009

Increase(Decrease)

Cash and cash equivalents

$

4,581

$

5,718

$

(1,137

)

Fixed income securities

34,029

28,355

5,674

Publicly traded equity securities

1,251

928

323

Total

$

39,861

$

35,001

$

4,860

The increase in
cash and cash equivalents and investments was primarily the result of cash provided by operating activities of $10.2 billion in fiscal 2010, an increase from $9.9 billion in fiscal 2009, as well as the issuance of $5.0 billion of senior notes in
November 2009, and the issuance of common stock of $3.3 billion related to employee stock option exercises and employee stock purchases. These factors were partially offset by the repurchase of common stock of $7.9 billion, business acquisitions
totaling $5.3 billion and capital expenditures of $1.0 billion.

The $276 million increase to cash provided by operating activities in
fiscal 2010 was the net result of a favorable impact to operating cash flows from increased net income and increased deferred revenue, partially offset by the unfavorable impact to operating cash flows from increased accounts receivable.

Our total in cash and cash equivalents and investments held outside of the United States in various foreign subsidiaries was $33.2 billion and $29.1
billion, as of July 31, 2010 and July 25, 2009, respectively. The remaining balance held in the United States as of July 31, 2010 and July 25, 2009 was $6.7 billion and $5.9 billion, respectively. Under current tax laws and
regulations, if cash and cash equivalents and investments held outside the United States are distributed to the United States in the form of dividends or otherwise, we may be subject to additional U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for
foreign tax credits) and foreign withholding taxes.

We maintain an investment portfolio of various holdings, types, and maturities. We
classify our investments as short-term investments based on their nature and their availability for use in current operations. We believe the overall credit quality of our portfolio is strong and our fixed income investment portfolio consists
primarily of the highest quality investment-grade securities. We believe that our strong cash and cash equivalents and investments position allows us to use our cash resources for strategic investments to gain access to new technologies,
acquisitions, customer financing activities, working capital, and the repurchase of shares of common stock.

We expect that cash provided
by operating activities may fluctuate in future periods as a result of a number of factors, including fluctuations in our operating results, the rate at which products are shipped during the quarter (which we refer to as shipment linearity), the
timing and collection of accounts receivable and financing receivables, inventory and supply chain management, deferred revenue, excess tax benefits from share-based compensation, and the timing and amount of tax and other payments. For additional
discussion, see Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Our accounts receivable, net increased during fiscal 2010 due
to our higher revenue in fiscal 2010 as compared with fiscal 2009, and higher days sales outstanding (DSO) in fiscal 2010 as well. Our DSO as of July 31, 2010 increased from the previous fiscal year end due to the timing of product shipments in
the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 as compared with the same period in fiscal 2009, partially offset by stronger collections in the later part of fiscal 2010.

2010 Annual Report 31

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

The increase in our purchase commitments with
contract manufacturers and suppliers reflects our intent to maintain supply chain flexibility in support of anticipated higher business volume and longer term product demand projections in our business. Our view is that in any rapidly shifting
supply and demand environment such as the one we are currently experiencing, shifts in lead times, inventory levels, purchase commitments, and manufacturing outputs will occur. During fiscal 2010 we experienced longer than normal lead times on
several of our products and we continue to see challenges at some of our component suppliers. This was attributable in part to increasing demand driven by the improvement in our overall markets. In addition, similar to what is happening throughout
the industry, the longer than normal lead times also stemmed from supplier constraints based upon their labor and other actions taken during the global economic downturn. While we may continue to experience longer than normal lead times, our lead
times improved on the majority of our products in the second half of fiscal 2010, and at the end of fiscal 2010, product lead times to customers were within a normal range for the majority of our products. We have increased our efforts in procuring
components in order to meet customer expectations which have contributed to an increase in purchase commitments.

Inventories increased
during fiscal 2010 as a result of our response to increased demand and also due to the acquisitions of Tandberg and Starent. Our finished goods consist of distributor inventory and deferred cost of sales and manufactured finished goods. Distributor
inventory and deferred cost of sales are related to unrecognized revenue on shipments to distributors and retail partners as well as shipments to customers. Manufactured finished goods consist primarily of build-to-order and build-to-stock products.
Service-related spares consist of reusable equipment related to our technical support and warranty activities. All inventories are accounted for at the lower of cost or market. Inventory is written down based on excess and obsolete inventories
determined primarily by future demand forecasts. Inventory write-downs are measured as the difference between the cost of the inventory and market, based upon assumptions about future demand, and are charged to the provision for inventory, which is
a component of our cost of sales.

We purchase components from a variety of suppliers and use several contract manufacturers to provide
manufacturing services for our products. During the normal course of business, in order to manage manufacturing lead times and help ensure adequate component supply, we enter into agreements with contract manufacturers and suppliers that allow them
to procure inventory based upon criteria as defined by us or that establish the parameters defining our requirements and our commitment to securing manufacturing capacity. A significant portion of our reported purchase commitments arising from these
agreements are firm, noncancelable, and unconditional commitments. In certain instances, these agreements allow us the option to cancel, reschedule, and adjust our requirements based on our business needs prior to firm orders being placed. Our
purchase commitments are for short-term product manufacturing requirements as well as for commitments to suppliers to secure manufacturing capacity.

We record a liability, included in other current liabilities, for firm, noncancelable, and unconditional purchase commitments for quantities in
excess of our future demand forecasts consistent with the valuation of our excess and obsolete inventory. The purchase commitments for inventory are expected to be primarily fulfilled within one year.

Inventory and supply chain management remain areas of focus as we balance the need to maintain supply chain flexibility to help ensure competitive
lead times with the risk of inventory obsolescence because of rapidly changing technology and customer requirements. We believe the amount of our inventory and purchase commitments is appropriate for our revenue levels.

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

Financing Receivables We provide financing to certain end-user customers and channel
partners to enable sales of our products, services, and networking solutions. These financing arrangements include leases, financed service contracts, and loans. Arrangements related to leases and loans are generally collateralized by a security
interest in the underlying assets. Lease receivables include sales-type and direct-financing leases. We also provide certain qualified customers financing for long-term service contracts, which primarily relate to technical support services. Our
loan financing arrangements may include not only financing the acquisition of our products and services but also providing additional funds for other costs associated with network installation and integration of our products and services. We expect
to continue to expand the use of our financing programs in the near term.

Financing Guarantees In the normal course of
business, third parties may provide financing arrangements to our customers and channel partners under financing programs. The financing arrangements to customers provided by third parties are related to leases and loans and typically have terms of
up to three years. In some cases, we provide guarantees to third parties for these lease and loan arrangements. The financing arrangements to channel partners consist of revolving short-term financing provided by third parties, generally with
payment terms ranging from 60 to 90 days. In certain instances, these financing arrangements result in a transfer of our receivables to the third party. The receivables are derecognized upon transfer, as these transfers qualify as true sales, and we
receive payments for the receivables from the third party based on our standard payment terms. These financing arrangements facilitate the working capital requirements of the channel partners and, in some cases, we guarantee a portion of these
arrangements. We could be called upon to make payments under these guarantees in the event of nonpayment by the channel partners or end-user customers. Historically, our payments under such arrangements have been immaterial. Where we provide a
guarantee, we defer the revenue associated with the channel partner and end-user financing arrangement in accordance with revenue recognition policies, or we record a liability for the fair value of the guarantees. In either case, the deferred
revenue is recognized as revenue when the guarantee is removed.

Deferred Revenue Related to Financing Receivables and
Guarantees The majority of the deferred revenue in the preceding table is related to financed service contracts. The revenue related to financed service contracts, which primarily relates to technical support services, is deferred
and included in deferred service revenue. The revenue related to financed service contracts is recognized ratably over the period during which the related services are to be performed. A portion of the revenue related to lease and loan receivables
is also deferred and included in deferred product revenue based on revenue recognition criteria.

In November
2009, we issued senior unsecured notes in an aggregate principal amount of $5.0 billion. Of these notes, $500 million will mature in 2014 and bear interest at a fixed rate of 2.90% per annum (the 2014 Notes), $2.5 billion will
mature in 2020 and bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.45% per annum (the 2020 Notes), and $2.0 billion will mature in 2040 and bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.50% per annum (the 2040 Notes), as reflected in the
preceding table. To achieve our interest rate risk management objectives we entered into $1.5 billion notional amount interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges of a portion of the 2016 Notes.

Interest is payable semi-annually on each class of the senior fixed-rate notes, each of which is redeemable by us at any time, subject to a
make-whole premium. We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of July 31, 2010.

Other Notes and Borrowings Other
notes and borrowings include notes and credit facilities with a number of financial institutions that are available to certain of our foreign subsidiaries. The amount of borrowings outstanding under these arrangements was $59 million and $2 million
as of July 31, 2010 and July 25, 2009, respectively.

Credit Facility We have a credit agreement with certain
institutional lenders that provides for a $3.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility that is scheduled to expire on August 17, 2012. Any advances under the credit agreement will accrue interest at rates that are equal to, based on certain
conditions, either (i) the higher of the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50% or Bank of Americas prime

2010 Annual Report 33

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

rate as announced from time to time, or (ii) the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a margin that is based on our senior debt credit ratings as published by
Standard & Poors Ratings Services and Moodys Investors Service, Inc. The credit agreement requires that we comply with certain covenants including that we maintain an interest coverage ratio as defined in the agreement.

We may also, upon the agreement of either the then-existing lenders or of additional lenders not currently parties to the agreement,
increase the commitments under the credit facility by up to an additional $1.9 billion and/or extend the expiration date of the credit facility up to August 15, 2014. As of July 31, 2010, we were in compliance with the required interest
coverage ratio and the other covenants, and we had not borrowed any funds under the credit facility.

Deferred Revenue

The following table presents the breakdown of deferred revenue (in millions):

July 31, 2010

July 25, 2009

Increase(Decrease)

Service

$

7,428

$

6,496

$

932

Product

3,655

2,897

758

Total

$

11,083

$

9,393

$

1,690

Reported as:

Current

$

7,664

$

6,438

$

1,226

Noncurrent

3,419

2,955

464

Total

$

11,083

$

9,393

$

1,690

The
increase in deferred service revenue reflects the impact of new contract initiations and renewals, partially offset by an ongoing amortization of deferred service revenue. The increase in deferred product revenue was primarily related to the timing
of cash receipts related to unrecognized revenue from two-tier distributors and an increase in shipments not having met revenue recognition criteria as of July 31, 2010.

Contractual Obligations

The impact of contractual
obligations on our liquidity and capital resources in future periods should be analyzed in conjunction with the factors that impact our cash flows from operations discussed previously. In addition, we plan for and measure our liquidity and capital
resources through an annual budgeting process. The following table summarizes our contractual obligations at July 31, 2010 (in millions):

PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD

July 31, 2010

Total

Less than1 Year

1 to 3Years

3 to 5Years

More than

5 Years

Operating leases

$

1,304

$

343

$

410

$

241

$

310

Purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers

4,319

4,319







Purchase obligations

1,972

1,044

566

356

6

Debt

15,059

3,059



500

11,500

Other long-term liabilities

376



79

52

245

Total by period

$

23,030

$

8,765

$

1,055

$

1,149

$

12,061

Other long-term liabilities (uncertainty in the timing of future payments)

1,629

Total

$

24,659

Operating Leases We lease office space in several U.S. locations. Outside the United States,
larger leased sites are located in Australia, Belgium, China, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Norway, and the United Kingdom. We also lease equipment and vehicles. Operating lease amounts include future minimum lease payments under all our
noncancelable operating leases with an initial term in excess of one year.

Purchase Commitments with Contract Manufacturers and
Suppliers We purchase components from a variety of suppliers and use several contract manufacturers to provide manufacturing services for our products. A significant portion of our reported estimated purchase commitments arising
from these agreements are firm, noncancelable, and unconditional commitments. We record a liability for firm, noncancelable, and unconditional purchase commitments for quantities in excess of our future demand forecasts consistent with the valuation
of our excess and obsolete inventory. See further discussion in Inventories and Purchase Commitments with Contract Manufacturers and Suppliers. As of July 31, 2010, the liability for these purchase commitments was $135 million and
is recorded in other current liabilities and is not included in the preceding table.

Purchase Obligations Purchase obligations
represent an estimate of all open purchase orders and contractual obligations in the ordinary course of business, other than commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers, for which we have not received the goods or services. Although open
purchase orders are considered enforceable and legally binding, the terms generally allow us the option to cancel, reschedule, and adjust our requirements based on our business needs prior to the delivery of goods or performance of services.

34 Cisco Systems, Inc.

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations

Long-Term Debt The amount of long-term debt in the preceding table represents the
principal amount of the respective debt instruments. See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Other Long-Term
Liabilities Other long-term liabilities include noncurrent income taxes payable, accrued liabilities for deferred compensation, noncurrent deferred tax liabilities, and certain other long-term liabilities. Due to the uncertainty
in the timing of future payments, our noncurrent income taxes payable of approximately $1.4 billion and noncurrent deferred tax liabilities of $276 million were presented as one aggregated amount in the total column on a separate line in the
preceding table. Noncurrent income taxes payable includes uncertain tax positions (see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements) partially offset by payments.

Other Commitments

In connection with our business
combinations and asset purchases, we have agreed to pay certain additional amounts contingent upon the achievement of agreed-upon technology, development, product, or other milestones, or continued employment with us of certain employees of acquired
entities. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

We also have certain funding commitments primarily related to our
investments in privately held companies and venture funds, some of which are based on the achievement of certain agreed-upon milestones, and some of which are required to be funded on demand. The funding commitments were $279 million as of
July 31, 2010, compared with $313 million as of July 25, 2009.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We consider our investments in unconsolidated variable interest entities to be off-balance sheet arrangements. In the ordinary course of business, we have
investments in privately held companies and provide financing to certain customers. These privately held companies and customers may be considered to be variable interest entities. We have evaluated our investments in these privately held companies
and our customer financings and have determined that there were no significant unconsolidated variable interest entities as of July 31, 2010.

On an ongoing basis, we reassess our investments in privately held companies and customer financings to determine if they are variable interest
entities and if we would be regarded as the primary beneficiary. As a result of this ongoing assessment, we may be required to make additional disclosures or consolidate these entities. Because we may not control these entities, we may not have the
ability to influence these events.

We provide financing guarantees, which are generally for various third-party financing arrangements
extended to our channel partners and end-user customers. We could be called upon to make payments under these guarantees in the event of nonpayment by the channel partners or end-user customers. See the previous discussion of these financing
guarantees under Financing Receivables and Guarantees.

Stock Repurchase Program

In September 2001, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program. As of July 31, 2010, our Board of Directors had authorized an aggregate
repurchase of up to $72 billion of common stock under this program, and as of July 31, 2010 the remaining authorized repurchase amount was $7.0 billion with no termination date. A summary of the stock repurchase activity under the stock
repurchase program, reported based on the trade date, is summarized as follows (in millions, except per-share amounts):

SharesRepurchased

Weighted-Average Priceper Share

AmountRepurchased

Cumulative balance at July 26, 2008

2,600

$

20.60

$

53,579

Repurchase of common stock under the stock repurchase program

202

17.89

3,600

Cumulative balance at July 25, 2009

2,802

$

20.41

$

57,179

Repurchase of common stock under the stock repurchase program

325

24.02

7,803

Cumulative balance at July 31, 2010

3,127

$

20.78

$

64,982

Liquidity and Capital Resource Requirements

Based on past
performance and current expectations, we believe our cash and cash equivalents, investments; cash generated from operations; our ability to access capital markets, such as our issuance of $5.0 billion of senior notes in November 2009; and committed
credit lines will satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures, investment requirements, stock repurchases, contractual obligations, commitments, principal payments on debt, future customer financings, and other liquidity requirements
associated with our operations through at least the next 12 months. We intend to begin paying a cash dividend on our common stock during fiscal 2011. There are no other transactions, arrangements, or other relationships with unconsolidated entities
or other persons that are reasonably likely to materially affect liquidity, the availability, and our requirements for capital resources.

2010 Annual Report 35

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Our financial position is exposed to a variety of risks including interest rate risk,
equity price risk, and foreign currency exchange risk.

Interest Rate Risk

Fixed Income Securities

We maintain an investment portfolio
of various holdings, types, and maturities. Our primary objective for holding fixed income securities is to achieve an appropriate investment return consistent with preserving principal and managing risk. At any time, a sharp rise in market interest
rates could have a material adverse impact on the fair value of our fixed income investment portfolio. Conversely, declines in interest rates, including the impact from lower credit spreads, could have a material adverse impact on interest income
for our investment portfolio. We may utilize derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments to achieve our investment objectives. We had no outstanding hedging instruments for our fixed income securities as of July 31, 2010. Our fixed
income instruments are held for purposes other than trading. Our fixed income instruments are not leveraged as of July 31, 2010. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We monitor our interest rate and credit risks, including our
credit exposures to specific rating categories and to individual issuers. We believe the overall credit quality of our portfolio is strong.

The following tables present the hypothetical fair values of our fixed income securities, including the hedging effects when applicable, as a result
of selected potential market decreases and increases in interest rates. The market changes reflect immediate hypothetical parallel shifts in the yield curve of plus or minus 50 basis points (BPS), plus 100 BPS, and plus 150 BPS. Due to
the low interest rate environment at the ends of each of fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009, we did not believe a parallel of shift of minus 100 BPS or minus 150 BPS was relevant. The hypothetical fair values as of July 31, 2010 and July 25, 2009
are as follows (in millions):

VALUATION OF SECURITIES

GIVEN AN INTEREST RATEDECREASE OF X BASIS POINTS

FAIR VALUEAS OFJULY 31,2010

VALUATION OF SECURITIES

GIVEN AN INTEREST RATEINCREASE OF X BASIS POINTS

(150 BPS)

(100 BPS)

(50 BPS)

50 BPS

100 BPS

150 BPS

Fixed income securities

N/A

N/A

$

34,187

$

34,029

$

33,870

$

33,712

$

33,553

VALUATION OF SECURITIES

GIVEN AN INTEREST RATEDECREASE OF X BASIS POINTS

FAIR VALUEAS OFJULY 25,2009

VALUATION OF SECURITIES

GIVEN AN INTEREST RATEINCREASE OF X BASIS POINTS

(150 BPS)

(100 BPS)

(50 BPS)

50 BPS

100 BPS

150 BPS

Fixed income securities

N/A

N/A

$

28,486

$

28,355

$

28,224

$

28,093

$

27,963

There were no impairment charges on our
investments in fixed income securities for fiscal 2010. For fiscal 2009 we had impairment charges of $219 million on investments in fixed income securities, and for fiscal 2008 there were no such impairment charges.

Debt

As of July 31, 2010, we had $15.0 billion in
principal amount of fixed-rate senior notes outstanding, with a carrying amount of $15.2 billion and a fair value of $16.3 billion, which fair value is based on market prices. As of July 31, 2010, a hypothetical 50 BPS increase or decrease
in market interest rates would change the fair value of the fixed-rate debt, excluding the $1.5 billion of hedged debt, by a decrease of approximately $500 million and an increase of approximately $650 million, respectively. However, this
hypothetical change in interest rates would not impact the interest expense on the fixed-rate debt.

Equity Price Risk

The fair value of our equity investments in publicly traded companies is subject to market price volatility. We may hold equity securities for
strategic purposes or to diversify our overall investment portfolio. Our equity portfolio consists of securities with characteristics that most closely match the Standard & Poors 500 Index or NASDAQ Composite Index. These equity
securities are held for purposes other than trading. To manage our exposure to changes in the fair value of certain equity securities, we may enter into equity derivatives designated as hedging instruments.

36 Cisco Systems, Inc.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Publicly Traded Equity Securities

The following tables present the hypothetical fair values of publicly traded equity securities as a result of selected potential decreases and increases in the
price of each equity security in the portfolio, excluding hedged equity securities, if any. Potential fluctuations in the price of each equity security in the portfolio of plus or minus 10%, 20%, and 30% were selected based on potential near-term
changes in those security prices. The hypothetical fair values as of July 31, 2010 and July 25, 2009 are as follows (in millions):

VALUATION OF SECURITIES

GIVEN AN X% DECREASE IN

EACH
STOCKS PRICE

FAIR VALUEAS OFJULY 31,2010

VALUATION OF SECURITIES

GIVEN AN X% INCREASE IN

EACH
STOCKS PRICE

(30%)

(20%)

(10%)

10%

20%

30%

Publicly traded equity securities

$

876

$

1,001

$

1,126

$

1,251

$

1,376

$

1,501

$

1,626

VALUATION OF SECURITIES

GIVEN AN X% DECREASE IN

EACH
STOCKS PRICE

FAIR VALUEAS OFJULY 25,2009

VALUATION OF SECURITIES

GIVEN AN X% INCREASE IN

EACH
STOCKS PRICE

(30%)

(20%)

(10%)

10%

20%

30%

Publicly traded equity securities

$

650

$

742

$

835

$

928

$

1,021

$

1,114

$

1,206

There were no impairment charges on our investments in
publicly traded equity securities in fiscal 2010. For fiscal 2009 impairment charges on our investments in publicly traded equity securities were $39 million, and there were no impairment charges on our investments in publicly traded equity
securities in fiscal 2008.

Investments in Privately Held Companies

We have also invested in privately held companies. These investments are recorded in other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and are accounted for using
either the cost or the equity method. As of July 31, 2010, the total carrying amount of our investments in privately held companies was $756 million, compared with $709 million at July 25, 2009. Some of the privately held companies in
which we invested are in the startup or development stages. These investments are inherently risky because the markets for the technologies or products these companies are developing are typically in the early stages and may never materialize. We
could lose our entire investment in these companies. Our evaluation of investments in privately held companies is based on the fundamentals of the businesses, including, among other factors, the nature of their technologies and potential for
financial return. Our impairment charges on investments in privately held companies were $25 million, $85 million, and $12 million for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

We conduct business globally in numerous currencies. The direct
effect of foreign currency fluctuations on sales has not been material because our sales are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars. However, if the U.S. dollar strengthens relative to other currencies, such strengthening could have an indirect
effect on our sales to the extent it raises the cost of our products to non-U.S. customers and thereby reduces demand. A weaker U.S. dollar could have the opposite effect. However, the precise indirect effect of currency fluctuations is difficult to
measure or predict because our sales are influenced by many factors in addition to the impact of such currency fluctuations.

2010 Annual Report 37

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Approximately 70% of our operating expenses are U.S.-dollar denominated. Foreign currency
fluctuations, net of hedging, increased our operating expenses, categorized as research and development, sales and marketing, and general and administrative, by approximately 0.2% in fiscal 2010 compared with fiscal 2009 and decreased our operating
expenses by approximately 1.8% in fiscal 2009 compared with fiscal 2008. To reduce variability in operating expenses and service cost of sales caused by non-U.S.-dollar denominated operating expenses and costs, we hedge certain foreign currency
forecasted transactions with currency options and forward contracts. These hedging programs are not designed to provide foreign currency protection over long time horizons. In designing a specific hedging approach, we consider several factors,
including offsetting exposures, significance of exposures, costs associated with entering into a particular hedge instrument, and potential effectiveness of the hedge. The gains and losses on foreign exchange contracts mitigate the effect of
currency movements on our operating expenses and service cost of sales.

We also enter into foreign exchange forward and option contracts
to reduce the short-term effects of foreign currency fluctuations on receivables, investments, and payables, denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of the entities. The market risks associated with these foreign currency
receivables, investments, and payables relate primarily to variances from our forecasted foreign currency transactions and balances. Our forward and option contracts generally have the following maturities:

Maturities

Forward and option contractsforecasted transactions related to operating expenses and service cost of sales

Up to 18 months

Forward contractscurrent assets and liabilities

Up to 3 months

Forward contractsnet investments in foreign subsidiaries

Up to 6 months

Forward contractslong-term customer financings

Up to 2 years

Forward contractsinvestments

Up to 2 years

We do not enter into foreign exchange forward or
option contracts for trading purposes.

38 Cisco Systems, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in millions, except par value)

July 31, 2010

July 25, 2009

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

4,581

$

5,718

Investments

35,280

29,283

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $235 at July 31, 2010 and $216 at July 25,
2009

In September 2001, the
Companys Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program. As of July 31, 2010, the Companys Board of Directors had authorized an aggregate repurchase of up to $72 billion of common stock under this program with no
termination date. For additional information regarding stock repurchases, see Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The stock repurchases since the inception of this program and the related impacts on Cisco shareholders equity are
summarized in the following table (in millions):

Shares ofCommonStock

Common Stockand AdditionalPaid-In Capital

RetainedEarnings

Total CiscoShareholdersEquity

Repurchases of common stock under the repurchase program

3,127

$

12,759

$

52,223

$

64,982

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

42 Cisco Systems, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Basis of Presentation

The fiscal year for Cisco Systems, Inc. (the Company or Cisco) is the 52 or 53 weeks ending on the last Saturday in July. Fiscal 2010 was a
53-week fiscal year, while fiscal 2009 and 2008 were 52-week fiscal years. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Cisco and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The
Company conducts business globally and is primarily managed on a geographic basis in the following theaters: United States and Canada, European Markets, Emerging Markets, Asia Pacific, and Japan. The Emerging Markets theater consists of Eastern
Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

The Company consolidates its
investment in a venture fund managed by SOFTBANK Corp. and its affiliates (SOFTBANK) as the Company is the primary beneficiary. The noncontrolling interests attributed to SOFTBANK are presented as a separate component from the
Companys equity in the equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. SOFTBANKs share of the earnings in the venture fund is not presented separately in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and is included in other income
(loss), net, as this amount is not material for any of the fiscal years presented.

Certain reclassifications have been made to amounts
for prior years in order to conform to the current years presentation. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date that the financial statements were issued.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original or remaining maturity of less than
three months at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with various financial institutions.

(b)
Available-for-Sale Investments The Company classifies its investments in both fixed income securities and publicly traded equity securities as available-for-sale investments. Fixed income securities primarily consist of U.S.
government securities, U.S. agency securities, non-U.S. government and agency securities, corporate debt securities, and asset-backed securities. These available-for-sale investments are held in the custody of several major financial institutions.
The specific identification method is used to determine the cost basis of fixed income securities sold. The weighted-average method is used to determine the cost basis of publicly traded equity securities sold. These investments are recorded in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on these investments, to the extent the investments are unhedged, are included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI), net of tax. The Company
classifies its investments as current based on the nature of the investments and their availability for use in current operations.

(c)
Other-than-Temporary Impairments on Investments Effective at the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company was required to evaluate its fixed income securities for impairments in connection with an updated accounting
standard. Under this updated standard, if the fair value of a debt security is less than its amortized cost, the Company assesses whether the impairment is other than temporary. An impairment is considered other than temporary if (i) the
Company has the intent to sell the security, (ii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of the entire amortized cost basis, or (iii) the Company does not expect to recover the
entire amortized cost basis of the security. If impairment is considered other than temporary based on condition (i) or (ii) described above, the entire difference between the amortized cost and the fair value of the debt security is
recognized in earnings. If an impairment is considered other than temporary based on condition (iii), the amount representing credit losses (defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the
amortized cost basis of the debt security) will be recognized in earnings and the amount relating to all other factors will be recognized in OCI. Upon the adoption of the updated accounting standard, the Company recorded a cumulative effect
adjustment of $49 million, which resulted in an increase to the balance of retained earnings with a corresponding decrease to OCI. Prior to the adoption of this accounting standard, the Company recognized impairment charges on fixed income
securities using the impairment policy as is currently applied to publicly traded equity securities, as discussed below.

The Company
recognizes an impairment charge on publicly traded equity securities when a decline in the fair value of its investments in publicly traded equity securities below the cost basis is judged to be other than temporary. The Company considers various
factors in determining whether a decline in the fair value of these investments is other than temporary, including the length of time and extent to which the fair value of the security has been less than the Companys cost basis, the financial
condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the Companys intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value.

Investments in privately held companies are included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are primarily accounted for using either
the cost or equity method. The Company monitors these investments for impairments and makes appropriate reductions in carrying values if the Company determines that an impairment charge is required based primarily on the financial condition and
near-term prospects of these companies.

2010 Annual Report 43

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(d) Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is computed using
standard cost, which approximates actual cost, on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company provides inventory write-downs based on excess and obsolete inventories determined primarily by future demand forecasts. The write-down is measured as the
difference between the cost of the inventory and market based upon assumptions about future demand and charged to the provision for inventory, which is a component of cost of sales. At the point of the loss recognition, a new, lower cost basis for
that inventory is established, and subsequent changes in facts and circumstances do not result in the restoration or increase in that newly established cost basis. In addition, the Company records a liability for firm, noncancelable, and
unconditional purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers for quantities in excess of the Companys future demand forecasts consistent with its valuation of excess and obsolete inventory.

(e) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Companys assessment of the collectibility of
customer accounts. The Company regularly reviews the allowance by considering factors such as historical experience, credit quality, age of the accounts receivable balances, and economic conditions that may affect a customers ability to pay.

(f) Financing Receivables and Guarantees The Company provides financing arrangements, including leases, financed service contracts,
and loans, for certain qualified end-user customers to build, maintain, and upgrade their networks. Lease receivables primarily represent sales-type and direct-financing leases. Leases and loans have on average a three-year term and are usually
collateralized by a security interest in the underlying assets. Financed service contracts also typically have terms of one to three years and primarily relate to technical support services. The Company maintains an allowance for uncollectible
financing receivables based on a variety of factors, including the risk rating of the portfolio, macroeconomic conditions, historical experience, and other market factors.

In addition, the Company facilitates third-party financing arrangements for channel partners, consisting of revolving short-term financing,
generally with payment terms ranging from 60 to 90 days. In certain instances, these financing arrangements result in a transfer of the Companys receivables to the third party. The receivables are derecognized upon transfer, as these transfers
qualify as true sales, and the Company receives a payment for the receivables from the third party based on the Companys standard payment terms. These financing arrangements facilitate the working capital requirements of the channel partners
and, in some cases, the Company guarantees a portion of these arrangements. The Company also provides financing guarantees for third-party financing arrangements extended to end-user customers related to leases and loans, which typically have terms
of up to three years. The Company could be called upon to make payments under these guarantees in the event of nonpayment by the channel partners or end-user customers. Deferred revenue relating to these financing arrangements is recorded in
accordance with revenue recognition policies or for the fair value of the financing guarantees.

(g) Depreciation and
Amortization Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation or amortization, whenever applicable. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method, generally over the following
periods:

Period

Buildings

25 years

Building improvements

10 years

Furniture and fixtures

5 years

Leasehold improvements

Shorter of remaining lease term or 5 years

Computer equipment and related software

30 to 36 months

Production, engineering, and other equipment

Up to 5 years

Operating lease assets

Based on lease termgenerally up to 3 years

(h) Business
Combinations Upon adoption of the revised accounting guidance for business combinations in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company has applied the expanded definition of business and business combination
as prescribed by the revised accounting guidance. Other significant changes in connection with the revised accounting guidance include (i) the recognition of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests (including goodwill)
measured at fair value at the acquisition date with subsequent changes to the fair value of such assets acquired and liabilities assumed recognized in earnings after the expiration of the measurement period, a period not to exceed 12 months from the
acquisition date; (ii) the recognition of acquisition-related expenses and acquisition-related restructuring costs in earnings; and (iii) the capitalization of in-process research and development (IPR&D) at fair value as an
indefinite-lived intangible asset that will be assessed for impairment thereafter. Upon completion of development, the underlying R&D intangible asset will be amortized over its estimated useful life.

44 Cisco Systems, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(i) Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual
basis in the fourth fiscal quarter and, when specific circumstances dictate, between annual tests. When impaired, the carrying value of goodwill is written down to fair value. The goodwill impairment test involves a two-step process. The first step,
identifying a potential impairment, compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step would need to be conducted; otherwise,
no further steps are necessary as no potential impairment exists. The second step, measuring the impairment loss, compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Any excess of the reporting
unit goodwill carrying value over the respective implied fair value is recognized as an impairment loss. There was no impairment of goodwill identified in fiscal 2010, 2009, or 2008. Purchased intangible assets with finite lives are carried at cost,
less accumulated amortization. Amortization is computed over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, generally two to seven years. See below related to the impairment test for purchased intangible assets with finite lives. Purchased
intangible assets with indefinite lives are assessed for potential impairment annually or when events or circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts might be impaired.

(j) Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets that are held and used by the Company are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability of long-lived assets is based on an estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its
eventual disposition. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the difference between the fair value of the asset and its carrying value. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are
reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

(k) Derivative Instruments The Company recognizes
derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities and measures those instruments at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. For a
derivative instrument designated as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss is recognized in earnings in the period of change together with the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributed to the risk being hedged. For a derivative instrument
designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the derivatives gain or loss is initially reported as a component of AOCI and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged exposure affects earnings. The ineffective portion
of the gain or loss is reported in earnings immediately. For derivative instruments that are not designated as accounting hedges, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings in the period of change. The Company records derivative instruments in
the statements of cash flows to operating, investing or financing activities consistent with the cash flows of the hedged item.

(l) Foreign Currency
Translation Assets and liabilities of non-U.S. subsidiaries that operate in a local currency environment, where that local currency is the functional currency, are translated to U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance
sheet date, with the resulting translation adjustments directly recorded to a separate component of AOCI. Income and expense accounts are translated at average exchange rates during the year. Remeasurement adjustments are recorded in other income
(loss), net. The effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents was not material for any of the years presented.

(m)
Concentrations of Risk Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon
demand and are maintained with financial institutions with reputable credit and therefore bear minimal credit risk. The Company seeks to mitigate its credit risks by spreading such risks across multiple counterparties and monitoring the risk
profiles of these counterparties.

The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and, with the exception of certain
financing transactions, does not require collateral from its customers. The Company receives certain of its components from sole suppliers. Additionally, the Company relies on a limited number of contract manufacturers and suppliers to provide
manufacturing services for its products. The inability of a contract manufacturer or supplier to fulfill supply requirements of the Company could materially impact future operating results.

(n) Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the fee is fixed
or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. In instances where final acceptance of the product, system, or solution is specified by the customer, revenue is deferred until all acceptance criteria have been met. For hosting
arrangements, the Company recognizes revenue based on customer utilization. Technical support services revenue is deferred and recognized ratably over the period during which the services are to be performed, which is typically from one to three
years. Advanced services revenue is recognized upon delivery or completion of performance.

The Company uses distributors that stock
inventory and typically sell to systems integrators, service providers, and other resellers. In addition, certain products are sold through retail partners. The Company refers to this as its two-tier system of sales to the end customer. Revenue from
distributors and retail partners generally is recognized based on a sell-through method using

2010 Annual Report 45

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

information provided by them. Distributors and retail partners participate in various cooperative marketing and other programs, and the Company maintains estimated accruals and allowances for
these programs. The Company accrues for warranty costs, sales returns, and other allowances based on its historical experience. Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are included in net sales, with the associated costs included in cost of
sales.

In October 2009, the FASB amended the accounting standards for revenue recognition to remove from the scope of industry-specific
software revenue recognition guidance tangible products containing software components and nonsoftware components that function together to deliver the products essential functionality. In October 2009, the FASB also amended the accounting
standards for multiple-deliverable revenue arrangements to:

(i)

provide updated guidance on whether multiple deliverables exist, how the deliverables in an arrangement should be separated, and how consideration should be allocated;

(ii)

require an entity to allocate revenue in an arrangement using estimated selling prices (ESP) of deliverables if a vendor does not have vendor-specific objective evidence of
selling price (VSOE) or third-party evidence of selling price (TPE); and

(iii)

eliminate the use of the residual method and require an entity to allocate revenue using the relative selling price method.

The Company elected to early adopt this accounting guidance at the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal 2010 on a prospective basis for applicable transactions
originating or materially modified after July 25, 2009. This guidance does not generally change the units of accounting for the Companys revenue transactions. Most products and services qualify as separate units of accounting and the
revenue is recognized when the applicable revenue recognition criteria are met. The Companys arrangements generally do not include any provisions for cancellation, termination, or refunds that would significantly impact recognized revenue.

Many of the Companys products have both software and nonsoftware components that function together to deliver the products
essential functionality. The Companys product offerings fall into the following categories: routing, switching, advanced technologies, and other products, the last of which includes emerging technologies items. The Company also provides
technical support and advanced services. The Company has a broad customer base that encompasses virtually all types of public and private entities, including enterprise businesses, service providers, commercial customers, and consumers. The Company
and its salesforce are not organized by product divisions and the Companys products and services can be sold standalone or together in various combinations across the Companys geographic segments or customer markets. For example, service
provider arrangements are typically larger in scale with longer deployment schedules and involve the delivery of a variety of product technologies, including high-end routing, video and network management software, among others, along with technical
support and advanced services. The Companys enterprise and commercial arrangements are typically unique for each customer and smaller in scale and may include network infrastructure products such as routers and switches or collaboration
technologies such as unified communications and Cisco TelePresence systems products along with technical support services. Consumer products, including Linksys wireless routers and Pure Digital video recorders, are sold in standalone arrangements
directly to distributors and retailers without support, as customers generally only require repair or replacement of defective products or parts under warranty.

The Company enters into revenue arrangements that may consist of multiple deliverables of its product and service offerings due to the needs of its
customers. For example, a customer may purchase routing products along with a contract for technical support services. This arrangement would consist of multiple elements, with the products delivered in one reporting period and the technical support
services delivered across multiple reporting periods. Another customer may purchase networking products along with advanced service offerings, in which all the elements are delivered within the same reporting period. In addition, distributors and
retail partners purchase products or technical support services on a standalone basis for resale to an end user or for purposes of stocking certain products, and these transactions would not result in a multiple element arrangement. For transactions
entered into prior to the first quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company primarily recognized revenue based on software revenue recognition guidance. For the vast majority of the Companys arrangements involving multiple deliverables, such as sales
of products with services, the entire fee from the arrangement was allocated to each respective element based on its relative selling price, using VSOE. In the limited circumstances when the Company was not able to determine VSOE for all of the
deliverables of the arrangement, but was able to obtain VSOE for any undelivered elements, revenue was allocated using the residual method. Under the residual method, the amount of revenue allocated to delivered elements equaled the total
arrangement consideration less the aggregate selling price of any undelivered elements, and no revenue was recognized until all elements without VSOE had been delivered. If VSOE of any undelivered items did not exist, revenue from the entire
arrangement was initially deferred and recognized at the earlier of (i) delivery of those elements for which VSOE did not exist or (ii) when VSOE could be established. However, in limited cases where technical support services were the
only undelivered element without VSOE, the entire arrangement fee was recognized ratably as a single unit of accounting over the technical services contractual period. The residual and ratable revenue recognition methods were generally used in a
limited number of arrangements containing advanced and emerging technologies, such as Cisco TelePresence systems products. Several of these technologies are sold as solution offerings, whereas products or services are not sold on a standalone basis.

46 Cisco Systems, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

In many instances, products are sold separately in standalone arrangements as customers may
support the products themselves or purchase support on a time-and-materials basis. Advanced services are sometimes sold in standalone engagements such as general consulting, network management, or security advisory projects and technical support
services are sold separately through renewals of annual contracts. As a result, for substantially all of the arrangements with multiple deliverables pertaining to routing and switching products and related services, as well as most arrangements
containing advanced and emerging technologies, the Company has used and intends to continue using VSOE to allocate the selling price to each deliverable. Consistent with its methodology under previous accounting guidance, the Company determines VSOE
based on its normal pricing and discounting practices for the specific product or service when sold separately. In determining VSOE, the Company requires that a substantial majority of the selling prices for a product or service fall within a
reasonably narrow pricing range, generally evidenced by approximately 80% of such historical standalone transactions falling within plus or minus 15% of the median rates. In addition, the Company considers the geographies in which the products or
services are sold, major product and service groups and customer classifications, and other environmental or marketing variables in determining VSOE.

In certain limited instances, the Company is not able to establish VSOE for all deliverables in an arrangement with multiple elements. This may be
due to the Company infrequently selling each element separately, not pricing products within a narrow range, or only having a limited sales history, such as in the case of certain advanced and emerging technologies. When VSOE cannot be established,
the Company attempts to establish selling price of each element based on TPE. TPE is determined based on competitor prices for similar deliverables when sold separately. Generally, the Companys go-to-market strategy typically differs from that
of its peers and its offerings contain a significant level of customization and differentiation such that the comparable pricing of products with similar functionality cannot be obtained. Furthermore, the Company is unable to reliably determine what
similar competitor products selling prices are on a standalone basis. Therefore, the Company is typically not able to determine TPE.

When the Company is unable to establish selling price using VSOE or TPE, the Company uses ESP in its allocation of arrangement consideration. The
objective of ESP is to determine the price at which the Company would transact a sale if the product or service were sold on a standalone basis. ESP is generally used for new or highly customized offerings and solutions or offerings not priced
within a narrow range, and it applies to a small proportion of the Companys arrangements with multiple deliverables.

The Company
determines ESP for a product or service by considering multiple factors, including, but not limited to, geographies, market conditions, competitive landscape, internal costs, gross margin objectives, and pricing practices. The determination of ESP
is made through consultation with and formal approval by the Companys management, taking into consideration the go-to-market strategy.

The Company regularly reviews VSOE, TPE, and ESP and maintains internal controls over the establishment and updates of these estimates. There were
no material impacts during the fiscal year nor does the Company currently expect a material impact in the near term from changes in VSOE, TPE, or ESP.

Net sales as reported for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2010, and the Companys estimate of the pro forma net sales that would have been
reported if the transaction entered into or materially modified during fiscal 2010 were subject to previous accounting guidance, are shown in the following table (in millions):

FISCAL YEAR ENDED JULY 31, 2010

As Reported

Pro Forma Basis as if thePrevious Accounting Guidance Werein
Effect

Net sales

$

40,040

$

39,802

The estimated impact to net sales of the
accounting standard was primarily to net product sales.

The new accounting standards for revenue recognition if applied in the same
manner to the year ended July 25, 2009 would not have had a material impact on net sales for that fiscal year. In terms of the timing and pattern of revenue recognition, the new accounting guidance for revenue recognition is not expected to
have a significant effect on net sales in periods after the initial adoption when applied to multiple-element arrangements based on current go-to-market strategies due to the existence of VSOE across most of the Companys product and service
offerings. However, the Company expects that this new accounting guidance will facilitate the Companys efforts to optimize its offerings due to better alignment between the economics of an arrangement and the accounting. This may lead to the
Company engaging in new go-to-market practices in the future. In particular, the Company expects that the new accounting standards will enable it to better integrate products and services without VSOE into existing offerings and solutions. As these
go-to-market strategies evolve, the Company may modify its pricing practices in the future, which could result in changes in selling prices, including both VSOE and ESP. As a result, the Companys future revenue recognition for multiple-element
arrangements could differ materially from the results in the current period. The Company is currently unable to determine the impact that the newly adopted accounting guidance could have on its revenue as these go-to-market strategies evolve.

2010 Annual Report 47

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The Companys arrangements with multiple deliverables may have a standalone software
deliverable that is subject to the existing software revenue recognition guidance. The revenue for these multiple-element arrangements is allocated to the software deliverable and the nonsoftware deliverables based on the relative selling prices of
all of the deliverables in the arrangement using the hierarchy in the new revenue accounting guidance. In the limited circumstances where the Company cannot determine VSOE or TPE of the selling price for all of the deliverables in the arrangement,
including the software deliverable, ESP is used for the purposes of performing this allocation.

(o) Advertising Costs The Company
expenses all advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs included within sales and marketing expenses were approximately $290 million, $165 million, and $195 million for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

(p) Share-Based Compensation Expense The Company measures and recognizes the compensation expense for all share-based awards made to employees
and directors including employee stock options and employee stock purchases related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (employee stock purchase rights) based on estimated fair values. The fair value of employee stock options is
estimated on the date of grant using a lattice-binomial option-pricing model (lattice-binomial model) and for employee stock purchase rights the Company estimates the fair value using the Black-Scholes model. The Company measures the
fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units as if the awards were vested and issued on the grant date. The value of awards that are ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods. Because
share-based compensation expense is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for forfeitures.

(q) Software Development
Costs Software development costs required to be capitalized for software sold, leased, or otherwise marketed have not been material to date. Software development costs required to be capitalized for internal use software have also not
been material to date.

(r) Income Taxes Income tax expense is based on pretax financial accounting income. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that will
more likely than not be realized.

The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes using a two-step approach to recognizing and
measuring uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including
resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. The Company classifies the liability for unrecognized
tax benefits as current to the extent that the Company anticipates payment (or receipt) of cash within one year. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized in the provision for income taxes.

(s) Computation of Net Income per Share Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted shares outstanding include the dilutive effect of in-the-money
options, unvested restricted stock, and restricted stock units. The dilutive effect of such equity awards is calculated based on the average share price for each fiscal period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the
amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options, the amount of compensation cost for future service that the Company has not yet recognized, and the amount of tax benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when the award
becomes deductible, are collectively assumed to be used to repurchase shares.

(t) Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities In the
event that the Company is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity, the assets, liabilities, and results of operations of the variable interest entity will be included in the Companys Consolidated Financial Statements.

48 Cisco Systems, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(u) Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are used
for the following, among others:



Revenue recognition



Allowances for receivables and sales returns



Inventory valuation and liability for purchase commitments with contract manufacturers and suppliers



Warranty costs



Share-based compensation expense



Fair value measurements and other-than-temporary impairments



Goodwill and purchased intangible asset impairments



Income taxes



Loss contingencies

The actual results
experienced by the Company may differ materially from managements estimates.

(v) Recent Accounting Standards or Updates In June
2009, the FASB issued revised guidance for the consolidation of variable interest entities. In February 2010, the FASB issued amendments to the consolidation requirements, exempting certain investment funds from the June 2009 guidance for the
consolidation of variable interest entities. The June 2009 guidance for the consolidation of variable interest entities replaces the quantitative-based risks and rewards approach with a qualitative approach that focuses on identifying which
enterprise has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entitys economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could
be potentially significant to the variable interest entity. The accounting guidance also requires an ongoing reassessment of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary and requires additional disclosures about an enterprises involvement
in variable interest entities. This accounting guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2011. Upon adoption, the application of the revised guidance for the consolidation of variable interest entities did not
have a material impact to the Companys Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued revised guidance for
the accounting of transfers of financial assets. This guidance eliminates the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity, removes the scope exception for qualifying special-purpose entities when applying the accounting guidance related to the
consolidation of variable interest entities, changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets, and requires enhanced disclosure. This accounting guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2011. Upon
adoption, the application of the revised guidance for the accounting of transfers of financial assets did not have a material impact to the Companys Consolidated Financial Statements.

In July 2010, the FASB issued an accounting update to provide guidance to enhance disclosures related to the credit quality of a companys
financing receivables portfolio and the associated allowance for credit losses. Pursuant to this accounting update, a company is required to provide a greater level of disaggregated information about its allowance for credit loss with the objective
of facilitating users evaluation of the nature of credit risk inherent in the companys portfolio of financing receivables, how that risk is analyzed and assessed in arriving at the allowance for credit losses, and the changes and reasons
for those changes in the allowance for credit losses. The revised disclosures as of the end of the reporting period are effective for the Company beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, and the revised disclosures related to activities
during the reporting period are effective for the Company beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2011. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting update on its financial disclosures.

3. Business Combinations

The Company
completed seven business combinations during fiscal 2010. A summary of the more significant acquisitions completed in fiscal 2010 is as follows:



In December 2009, the Company acquired ScanSafe, Inc. (ScanSafe), a provider of hosted web security to help build a borderless network security
architecture that combines network and cloud-based services for advanced security enforcement.



In December 2009, the Company acquired Starent Networks, Corp. (Starent), a provider of IP-based mobile infrastructure for mobile and converged
carriers, to enhance the Companys portfolio of products to provide an integrated architecture to offer rich, quality multimedia experiences to mobile subscribers.



In April 2010, the Company acquired Tandberg ASA (Tandberg), a leader in video communications. With this acquisition, the Company expects that it
will be able to combine innovations with multivendor interoperability capabilities to provide a platform significantly more attractive to its customers and partners.



In July 2010, the Company acquired CoreOptics Inc. (CoreOptics), a designer of digital signal processing solutions for high-speed optical networking
applications.

2010 Annual Report 49

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Allocation of the purchase consideration for business combinations completed in fiscal 2010 is summarized as
follows (in millions):

Shares Issued

PurchaseConsideration

Net TangibleAssets Acquired/(LiabilitiesAssumed)

PurchasedIntangibleAssets

Goodwill

Fiscal 2010

ScanSafe, Inc.



$

154

$

2

$

31

$

121

Starent Networks, Corp.



2,636

(17

)

1,274

1,379

Tandberg ASA



3,268

17

980

2,271

CoreOptics Inc.



86

(2

)

70

18

Other



42

4

25

13

Total



$

6,186

$

4

$

2,380

$

3,802

The
total purchase consideration related to the Companys business combinations completed during fiscal 2010 consisted of one, or both, of cash consideration and vested share-based awards assumed. Total cash and cash equivalents acquired from
business combinations completed during fiscal 2010 were approximately $760 million.

Pursuant to the revised accounting guidance related
to business combinations, transaction costs for the business combinations completed during fiscal 2010 were expensed as incurred. Such transaction costs, totaling $40 million for fiscal 2010, were recorded as G&A expenses.
In addition, IPR&D of $199 million for fiscal 2010 has been capitalized at fair value as an intangible asset with an indefinite life (see
Note 4) and is assessed for impairment in subsequent periods. Upon completion of development, the underlying R&D intangible asset will be amortized over its estimated useful life. Prior to the adoption of the revised accounting guidance,
IPR&D was expensed upon acquisition if it had no alternative future use.

The Company continues to evaluate certain assets and
liabilities related to business combinations completed during the period. Additional information, which existed as of the acquisition date but was at that time unknown to the Company, may become known to the Company during the remainder of
the measurement period, a period not to exceed 12 months from the acquisition date. Changes to amounts recorded as assets or liabilities may result in a corresponding adjustment to goodwill.

The goodwill generated from the Companys business combinations completed during the year ended July 31, 2010 is primarily related to
expected synergies. The goodwill is generally not deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Fiscal 2009

Allocation of the purchase consideration for business combinations completed in fiscal 2009 is summarized as follows (in millions):

Fiscal 2009

Shares Issued

PurchaseConsideration

Net TangibleAssets Acquired/(LiabilitiesAssumed)

PurchasedIntangibleAssets

Goodwill

IPR&D

PostPath, Inc.



$

197

$

(10

)

$

52

$

152

$

3

Pure Digital Technologies, Inc.

27

533

(9

)

191

299

52

Pure Networks, Inc.



105

(4

)

30

79



Tidal Software, Inc.



92

(3

)

52

35

8

Other



54

(2

)

23

33



Total

27

$

981

$

(28

)

$

348

$

598

$

63

Fiscal 2008

Allocation of the purchase consideration for business combinations completed in fiscal 2008 is summarized as follows (in millions):

Fiscal 2008

Shares Issued

PurchaseConsideration

Net TangibleAssets Acquired/(LiabilitiesAssumed)

PurchasedIntangibleAssets

Goodwill

IPR&D

Navini Networks, Inc.



$

276

$

(4

)

$

108

$

172

$



Securent, Inc.



75

(5

)

24

56



Other



61

7

14

37

3

Total



$

412

$

(2

)

$

146

$

265

$

3

The
Consolidated Financial Statements include the operating results of each business from the date of acquisition. Pro forma results of operations for the acquisitions completed during fiscal 2010, 2009, and 2008 have not been presented because the
effects of the acquisitions, individually and in the aggregate, were not material to the Companys financial results.

50 Cisco Systems, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4. Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets

(a) Goodwill

The following tables present the goodwill
allocated to the Companys reportable segments as of July 31, 2010 and July 25, 2009 and the changes to goodwill during fiscal 2010 and 2009 (in millions):

The following tables present details of the intangible assets acquired through business combinations during fiscal 2010 and 2009 (in
millions, except years):

FINITE LIVES

INDEFINITELIVES

TECHNOLOGY

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

OTHER

IPR&D

TOTAL

Weighted-Average UsefulLife (in Years)

Amount

Weighted-Average UsefulLife (in Years)

Amount

Weighted-Average UsefulLife (in Years)

Amount

Amount

Amount

Fiscal 2010

ScanSafe, Inc.

5.0

$

14

6.0

$

11

3.0

$

6

$



$

31

Starent Networks, Corp.

6.0

691

7.0

434

0.3

35

114

1,274

Tandberg ASA

5.0

709

7.0

179

3.0

21

71

980

CoreOptics Inc.

4.0

60

1.0

1

1.0

1

8

70

Other

4.0

8

5.0

11





6

25

Total

$

1,482

$

636

$

63

$

199

$

2,380

FINITE LIVES

TECHNOLOGY

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

OTHER

TOTAL

Fiscal 2009

Weighted-Average UsefulLife (in Years)

Amount

Weighted-Average UsefulLife (in Years)

Amount

Weighted-Average UsefulLife (in Years)

Amount

Amount

PostPath, Inc.

6.0

$

52



$





$



$

52

Pure Digital Technologies, Inc.

5.0

90

5.0

58

4.7

43

191

Pure Networks, Inc.

4.0

27

3.0

3





30

Tidal Software, Inc.

5.0

28

6.8

22

1.6

2

52

Other

6.0

18

3.7

5





23

Total

$

215

$

88

$

45

$

348

2010 Annual Report 51

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following tables present details of the Companys purchased intangible assets (in millions):

July 31, 2010

Gross

AccumulatedAmortization

Net

Purchased intangible assets with finite lives:

Technology

$

2,396

$

(686

)

$

1,710

Customer relationships

2,326

(1,045

)

1,281

Other

172

(85

)

87

Total purchased intangible assets with finite lives

4,894

(1,816

)

3,078

IPR&D, with indefinite lives

196



196

Total

$

5,090

$

(1,816

)

$

3,274

July 25, 2009

Gross

AccumulatedAmortization

Net

Purchased intangible assets with finite lives:

Technology

$

1,469

$

(803

)

$

666

Customer relationships

1,730

(768

)

962

Other

184

(110

)

74

Total

$

3,383

$

(1,681

)

$

1,702

Purchased
intangible assets include intangible assets acquired through business combinations as well as through direct purchases or licenses.

The
following table presents the amortization of purchased intangible assets (in millions):

Years Ended

July 31, 2010

July 25, 2009

July 26, 2008

Amortization of purchased intangible assets:

Cost of sales

$

277

$

211

$

233

Operating expenses

491

533

499

Total

$

768

$

744

$

732

The Company
recorded impairment charges of $28 million, $95 million and $33 million during fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, related to its purchased intangible assets. These impairment charges were due to reductions in expected future cash flows
related to certain technologies and customer relationships and were recorded as amortization of purchased intangible assets.

For
purchased intangible assets with finite lives, the estimated future amortization expense as of July 31, 2010 is as follows (in millions):

(1) Amounts represent the noncurrent portions of the respective
balances. See Note 6 for the current portions of the respective balances.

2010 Annual Report 53

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6. Financing Receivables and Guarantees

(a) Financing Receivables

Financing receivables primarily
consist of lease receivables, financed service contracts and loan receivables. Lease receivables represent sales-type and direct-financing leases resulting from the sale of the Companys and complementary third-party products. These lease
arrangements have terms of on average three years and are generally collateralized by a security interest in the underlying assets. The revenue related to financed service contracts, which is primarily associated with technical support services, is
deferred and included in deferred service revenue. The revenue is recognized ratably over the period during which the related services are to be performed, which is typically from one to three years.

A summary of the Companys financing receivables is presented as follows (in millions):

LeaseReceivables

FinancedServiceContracts

LoanReceivables

FinancingReceivables

July 31, 2010

Gross

$

2,411

$

1,773

$

1,249

$

5,433

Unearned income

(215

)





(215

)

Allowances

(207

)

(21)

(73

)

(301

)

Total, net

$

1,989

$

1,752

$

1,176

$

4,917

Reported as:

Current

$

813

$

989

$

501

$

2,303

Noncurrent

1,176

763

675

2,614

Total, net

$

1,989

$

1,752

$

1,176

$

4,917

July 25, 2009

LeaseReceivables

FinancedServiceContracts

LoanReceivables

FinancingReceivables

Gross

$

1,996

$

1,642

$

861

$

4,499

Unearned income

(191

)





(191

)

Allowances

(213

)

(26

)

(88

)

(327

)

Total, net

$

1,592

$

1,616

$

773

$

3,981

Reported as:

Current

$

626

$

940

$

236

$

1,802

Noncurrent

966

676

537

2,179

Total, net

$

1,592

$

1,616

$

773

$

3,981

Contractual
maturities of the gross lease receivables at July 31, 2010 are summarized as follows (in millions):